Intentionally involve pastors and leaders in the associational life. Encourage the formation of a bivocational pastors fellowship. Worship with smaller churches. Participate in homecomings, fifth Sunday sings and other events. Be a counselor, friend and advocate.
Some small churches are suspicious.
She felt it degraded people, particularly poor, rural mountain people, among whom she was raised. There was a country preacher. . . . Folks who have been subject to derisive humor are suspicious of those they fear may make fun them. Many small churches, I am afraid, feel that way about denominational people and denominational programs. They fear misuse, abuse and exploitation.