As I reflect on the experience of last weekend I am reminded of something almost every speaker said or alluded to- God must love the small church since He made so many of them! Though spoken with tongue in cheek, the truth of that statement is refreshing. God does love the church-size is not an issue in God’s eyes- only our own!
The conference, hosted by Les Puryear and his church family at Lewisville Baptist Church was extremely well designed and well hosted. The church family was friendly, gracious, loving, and responsive to every question, every need. It is very clear that Les poured his heart into the planning and implementation of the conference and that his church family bought into his vision completely.
The speakers were genuinely encouraging, specifically helpful, and compellingly honest. As a pastor of over 25 years, and in full time ministry 30 years I have attended too many conferences to count. Most denominational conferences (Evangelism Conferences, Sunday School Workshops, Vacation Bible School Clinics, Annual Meetings, Semi-Annual Meetings and the like) have such a broad focus that it is easy to attend such a conference and several days later wonder what the subject was! This conference, hosted and planned by small church pastors is different. First, each speaker was assigned a topic of interest to small church pastors- innovative evangelism projects; involvement on international mission projects; ministering to youth and children; financial issues; and so on. Second, each speaker had personal experience in serving in small churches. Taken together it was clear that small does not mean unhealthy. There are times when our denomination- without thinking- seems to suggest that small is the same as unhealthy. The reality is different. Third, those that were enlisted to speak were positive and encouraging. Instead of a list of five keys to growing a church, or a discussion of ten steps to double your attendance by next Sunday, the speakers acknowledged the demographic reality of small churches as well as the specific ministry of small churches.
I enjoyed every speaker. But two stand out. First, Frank Page, President of the Southern Baptist Convention and Pastor of Taylor’s Ferry Baptist Church, South Carolina. First, his presence at such a gathering sent a message. He certainly could easily have argued that there were more important things on his agenda. He could have easily scoffed at the idea- after all, he doesn’t serve a small church! However, he came and shared a message of encouragement and a mild rebuke! The rebuke was positive, and quite honestly, needed. Instead of whining, small church pastor’s should stand up and speak up!
Tom Eliff, as every time I’ve heard him, was right on the money. His message about effectiveness was again, significant and timely.
The segment with Micah Fries was worth the price of admission. His wealth of information and expertise will be helpful in the long term as my church continues to improve our communication skills with a new generation. Go to his website-MicahFries.com and get acquainted with his ministry.
Let me just summarize by saying- I love my job. I love my church- even on the hardest and most difficult of days. I love my Lord who saw fit to bring me to Winston and leave me here to build a legacy of ministry that brings glory to God!
STEVE
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