Lyle E. Schaller, The Small Membership Church: Scenarios for Tomorrow (Ministry for the Third Millennium). Abingdon Press, 2000.
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)
- Small Congregation, Big Potential: Ministry in the Small Membership Church (2003)
- The Middle-Sized Church: Problems and Prescriptions (1985) – addresses the unique issues of 100-200 member churches.
Each of these has content distinct enough to merit separate consideration.
In the introduction to this volume, Schaller conveys the organization around three theses. First, for nearly four centuries, the small church has been the dominant institutional expression of Protestants in North America. Second, the societal context for the small congregation has changed from supportive to neutral to, in many places, a hostile environment. Decades ago, small churches thrived in a culture full of small institutions, but not the culture is dominated by large institutions that are largely unsupportive of religious institutions generally much less small congregations. Third, small churches have a bright future if they are willing to adopt a new role in a changing culture. Schaller sheds even more light on these three theses by sharing the 44 assumptions upon which they are based. From there, he clarifies the phenomenon of smaller churches (second commandment based) by contrasting them to larger churches (first commandment based), and then shows how they continue to be the normative expression of Christianity in North America. He devotes a chapter to the “competitive” environment faced by small congregations, suggesting intercongregational cooperation as a resource to keep them viable. He also discusses the necessity of change for the future while perpetuating yesterday as much as possible, suggesting seven crucial changes. Perhaps the most helpful part of this book is the 44 alternative courses of action, or “scenarios for tomorrow.” It is a typical, gem-filled Schaller brainstorm of reframed old ideas and outside-the-box new ideas. Those familiar with Schaller will appreciate his well-organized list-style of “seven problems,” “six realities,” etc., that are interspersed throughout the book. Leaders probably need to root themselves in the small church specialists such as Pappas and Ray, but once you have that foundation, do not forget to read this text.
From the Publisher
For nearly four centuries, the small congregation has been the dominant institutional expression of Protestant Christianity. Meanwhile the societal context for the small Protestant church has changed from supportive to neutral to, in many places, a hostile environment. Lyle Schaller demonstrates that the small membership church has a bright and promising future if the leaders will adapt to new roles in the culture. He suggests many alternative scenarios that can lead to better use of resources and more focused energies in ministry.
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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