by Anessa D. Westbrook, D.Min.
In August 2024, the Church Research Council (CRC) began a survey of Church of Christ congregations. By January 2026, over 2,500 congregations had participated. In the January 2026 Insight Report on “Small Church Realities,” President of the Church Research Council, Dr. Stanley E. Granberg, reports that the Churches of Christ are primarily a small church fellowship. Seventy-five percent of congregations have an attendance below 125 on Sunday. Forty-five percent of them are classified as a house or family church with fewer than fifty attendees. Churches of Christ had a median size among survey participants of 55, with a membership of 53. Dr. Granberg suggests “Our smallest churches can be thought of as anchoring our fellowship” (p. 2-3).
Small churches have several notable strengths to offer. First, the Great Commission was given in language that referenced the functions of house churches. Small churches are functioning in a way that is closest to when this was issued. Ed Stetzer, in “The Power of Small” in Outreach Magazine, astutely notes, “The truth is, small churches have been the norm for most of Christian history.” He goes on to say, “Members and leaders of smaller churches should realize how much they matter for the mission and how much they matter to Jesus himself” (August 14, 2024).
Second, these churches provide geographic breadth, as they are often scattered across broader, rural areas. Granberg points out that rural churches serve as experts in their community and offer perspective on how much of the country lives. Because of this, they grounded Christianity across the country. Allen T. Stanton adds in The Gift of Small that despite the hesitancy these churches often have towards change, the relationality of them means that “they can be surprisingly nimble, responding to needs and opportunities with alarming speed” (p. 58). This can be advantageous when it comes to community service.
Third, Granberg called them “anchors” that provide stability amid the pressures of cultural change. These congregations act as lighthouses, offering guidance and providing steadiness as culture changes. Small churches connect communities and build social capital. They are a place where values are taught, families are supported, and intergenerational relationships occur naturally.
Fourth, because they rely on volunteers, these congregations tend to have a flat leadership structure. While this can get heavy for those who carry a responsibility for many years, it also creates meaningful opportunities for members to develop and practice spiritual leadership and ministry. Anecdotally, many ministers have been a product of small churches where they had the opportunity to try out a variety of ministries and engage in gift discovery—often at a young age. In larger congregations, opportunities for public service are relatively limited compared to the size of the congregation. If professional ministers do not take care of most of the ministry needs, then those who have prior experience or are older are often tapped. Smaller churches play an essential role in the Kingdom, providing service opportunities that larger churches may struggle to provide without a program.
Fifth, people’s understanding of what it means to be a “priesthood of all believers” (1 Peter 2:9) is often clearer in a small church setting where the need for help is great. Children who grow up seeing the adults around them faithfully serving in various capacities can grow up viewing ministry as a way of life—something they can actively participate in, rather than something only professionals do. And where help is desperately needed, grace abounds as people try out new things.
Sixth, Titus 2 emphasizes that older members are called to mentor and guide the younger. While this often takes the form of a formal program in larger congregations, it often occurs organically in smaller ones through cross-generational relationships. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20) calls upon believers to make disciples, a process that requires sustained, relational engagement over time. This is best done through mentoring and discipleship, which often occurs naturally in smaller churches.
As we think about the value of congregations, it is vital to assess what smaller congregations bring to the table. Small and rural congregations fulfill significant roles in the Kingdom. They deserve attention, resources, and support. When a small church closes, a community loses not only a stabilizing presence but also the relational energy that fuels its response to local needs. Given that these congregations constitute the majority of our fellowship, greater attention must be given to supporting and resourcing them.
Anessa Westbrook is the co-executive director for the Kite Center for Ministry. She holds a master’s degree and Master of Divinity from Harding School of Theology and earned her Doctorate of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is the co-author of "New Birth: Conversion and Baptism' and the author of "Reaching and Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church," as well as other publications. If your church needs assistance, please contact centerforministry@york.edu.