Researching the troubles and treasures of small churches.

Small churches form a significant part of the Methodist Church, and are especially significant in the Southampton District, yet we know very little about how to value the witness they represent.  The Small Churches Project is an initiative to explore the nature and value of small churches, together with the special difficulties they face.

Southampton Development Enabler, Matthew Reed, writes:

“I am struck that we see them far too often as a drain on resources, and ponder whether closure is the most sensible option, yet we do nothing to understand their special value in upholding witness and serving the community.  I know that the value of a church to its community can be out of all proportion to its size, but we have little understanding of how important they are.

 I have being preaching in small churches since I first came “on note”, and I know that there was purpose in the worship:  I once preached to the organist and a congregation of one (and he was late) but have no regrets because it was of immense value to him. But we also have to be realistic about how thinly our resources are spread and how much fellowship or witness we can offer in such small groupings.”

The Small Churches Project has an open agenda to look at the nature of small churches.  It is expected that what we learn will be put together into a report to help us understand the nature of all our churches, not just the smaller ones.

We are also expecting to produce two resource packs or booklets.  The first will be to help circuits support its smaller churches by identifying the value and potential of smaller communities, together with showing how their long term existence can be sensibly supported.

Sadly, we all know that some congregations find their work has come to an end, or that they no longer have the energy or resources to continue.  The second resource we plan will focus on helping circuits plan carefully for closures so that the most value and the least pain can be experienced by all those involved.  Churches usually close for sensible reasons, yet it is always a difficult and emotional time that needs special resourcing.

Southampton District is leading this project, in conjunction with the Cornwall and Plymouth & Exeter Districts, and is on behalf of the national DDE team.

How big is a small church?

 “I have been in churches with 30 members that felt too small to be of value, yet I have worshipped as one of four, and felt enormously enriched.”

There is no size limit on small churches, it is more about how they see themselves.  One sign might be that everyone on the congregation is an officer of the church, or has specific role to play, and most will have more than one “hat”.  Another sign might be that worship is alternate weeks, or only monthly.  Sadly, many small churches feel that they are always under threat of closure, and the common factor is the continuous fight for survival.

For our purposes we are probably looking at churches with less than twelve members, but this is only a guide and not a limit!

Getting Involved

We want to hear about peoples experience of worshipping and serving in small churches. 

We need to hear about peoples experiences, not just today but back through their lives.  We want to hear about the struggles and changes over the years that kept people loyal to the smaller congregations.  Above all we want to hear what it is that smaller churches give to their communities.

Contributions can be made by:

Completing a form on this website

By email to matthew.reed@tesco.net

Or you can write to us:

Matthew Reed
100 Coburg Road
Dorchester
Dorset
DT1 2HR
 

We may follow up your contribution by asking to meet you, by visiting your church or by asking for more information by letter or email; please state if this is not appropriate for you.