Lyle E. Schaller, The Middle-Sized Church: Problems and Prescriptions. Abingdon Press, 1985.
Referenced in: Small Church Leadership
LifeandLeadership Summary
Schaller is one of the most prolific authors in the field of church leadership, and if he has written a book on a subject, it usually makes sense to read it. He also ministered in several small churches. This is one of several volumes by Schaller on the issue of small church development. Others include:
- The Small Church is Different (1982)
- The Small Membership Church (2000)
- Small Congregation, Big Potential: Ministry in the Small Membership Church (2003)
Each has content distinct enough to merit separate consideration.
The Middle-Sized Church addresses the unique issues of 100-200 member churches. Schaller refers to them as awkward-size churches, because they are too large to be close-knit families, but too small to be staffed and structured like larger churches. He suggests that the key to effective ministry is to understand the “congregational culture,” which he describes as eight distinctive differences between small and middle-sized churches. This culture, however, takes different shapes such that there are no two middle-sized churches that are alike. He also describes the six key personalities who serve as lay leaders in the typical middle-sized congregations, reflecting the centrality of individuals in such congregations. Much of what happens in these churches is less a function of official roles and more a reflection of the perspective, values, commitment, or opinion of these individuals. Their presence is part of what makes middle-sized congregations feel like “one big family,” but this may also serve as a significant obstacle to productive change. Schaller discusses the many obstacles these churches face as they strive to get to the next level of maturity and development.
About the Author
Lyle Schaller is the country’s leading interpreter of congregational systems and their vitality. He has written over 60 books.
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