The small church knows we are not all equal but that each person is an individual with unique God given gifts. The small church deals in individuals, not numbers. It is in our working and playing together that money is raised to meet the needs of the parish. The small church wants a pastor who will live with them, laugh with them, cry with them, feel with them. They want a pastor who will value them personally and value their history.
Growth is difficult for the small church.
We don't have members join, we adopt them. Growth will be slow and difficult, not everyone is ready to accept the love a small church can offer, but the fruit of belonging to a caring Christ centered community is worth the price. I'm working at being a better lover. I grew up in a family were emotions were seldom expressed except for the loud, angry, kind. I am a shy person, sometimes that shyness gets misinterpreted as aloofness, lack of caring, or even snobbery.