Small, Strong Congregations: Creating Strengths and Health for Your Congregation

Kennon Callahan has captured the imagination of the leader of the small church in America. He writes simply and straight forwardly about the trials of those who live in small congregations. I liked the fact that he doesn't try to convince the small church leader to adopt a mega-church mentality. Rather, he challenges them to look within their respective communities and tap into the power and the resources that already reside there. He does challenge the small church to live a life of service to the community rather than retreat into a life of survival. It is about mission not membership.

This book is uncharacteristically long for one of Callahan's works (most are about 130 pages or so-- this doubles those). It lacks his concise nature and brevity (Mark it, though-- he usually says a lot in a few words, and it does take time to wade through and gather all of his wisdom). This book bogs a little in the middle, as far as readability...Nonetheless, Callahan provides great insight as to how to run a smaller church. Often, small churches (which they all start out as, even if planting one)attempt to be "mini-megas," as C calls them. The reality is... some will be mega-churches one day... but, they must live that tension between where they are today, and the vision of what God has called them to become in the future. And, rather than doing EVERYTHING right now, they are better off doing one or two things INCREDIBLY WELL NOW, then adding on from there. In other words, vision means that many times you have to say "no" to good opportunities. This allows the church to focus its energies in moving forwards, creating critical mass to do other things... which brings success in an area, providing momentum... which brings success and more momentum... The book as an organic, relational approach to church growth, which is refreshing. That is, growth happens naturally through relationships with people-- not by getting into trap of throwing out more programs (a tendency in the small church, wanting to be a mini-mega). Callahan calls churches to be strong-- and to start building on their strengths. To take seriously the gifts and abilities and resources God has placed in that Body... And, to build the Kingdom.

Callahan writes with a subtle passion that dares you to believe that small churches can be strong churches. As I read and reread his book, I found myself greatly wanting to be in the church he describes. I found the book to be convincing. There are other books I have read on church health and church growth, but this particular theory strikes me as more authentic, personal and practical.