Theory #2: Small Service Venues Can Work
By David Branker
Small service venues can work with a delegated service, if it is connected to the stability of a larger, grounded church.
Here is the second theory – many people today are nervous about attending a church that is very small in size. They think of that environment as one better suited for a small group but not for a service. After all, who does worship, who plays the instrument and who sings, and how can that be replicated without exceptional, well-rounded and innumerable worship leaders, etc? Another concern is that when you think of small meeting spaces – a club or house come to mind, some may think those environments leave room for unsafe, and perhaps even unbiblical teaching.
We believe Extension Gatherings can be small, provide a great worship option, provide safety in teaching, remain flexible to grow organically, and maintain a healthy connection to a local church. How? By simplifying and delegating the service of a more stable and grounded local church in a format that is more readily duplicated. The service quality of the larger and better-resourced church, along with a gifted speaker, is made available in smaller settings.
Safe Teaching
One of the ways Extension Gatherings mitigate the risk of errant teaching is to provide the tools necessary for a safe service experience. The book of Acts reminds us in chapter 2 verse 42 “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship…” You see their acknowledgment of the role and teaching of the apostles. They recognized the authority and gifts of those called to teach them, and remained faithful to what they were taught.
As a matter of fact, once you mitigate the risks associated with teaching, worship, offerings, and serving – you are now free to empower people with the tools to take the local church to their world. Allowing them the simplicity of focusing on inviting and enjoying fellowship and community with others in their circle, while experiencing a local church service.
Church Cannot Be Contained
We all recognize that the church is and never was about locations, but about people. Yet when we think of church growth, the size of the building looms as a lid over its potential to reach people. Both geographically – that is in that region and physically as our beloved building inspectors remind us that we can hold so much and no more. When you remove the building lid, you can love inspectors and reach people. We can now reach people in nursing homes, bars, prisons, neighborhood clubs, college campuses etc. We’re excited that we are no longer limited to a location or constrained by a building, but can grow in a flexible and organic manner.
Connected to a Local Church
These are not individual house churches but one church with the established vision and mission that God has given to us to steward. This by no means is an indictment against the independent house church movement. Like Paul, we rejoice, “that the message about Christ is being preached either way” (Philippians 1:18). Extension Gatherings are not independent, or isolated, they are connected to a larger church organization that is stable, grounded and tested.
Truth is, what remains before us is that Jesus Christ is the owner and builder of His Church and that can never be contained geographically or physically. The church will exist eternally!
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5 Responses to “Theory #2: Small Service Venues Can Work”
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I am so excited to learn of your church’s Extension Gatherings. The American Church desperately needs this shot in the arm. Of course small venues can work. This is proven, not a theory. The Body of Christ has always met in small venues and continues to even today. The gathering of the disciples with Jesus were as small venue as it gets. God doesn’t dwell in temples built by human hands. In fact, history would suggest that the larger the venue, the more people attuned to the teaching of one man with no option of discussion, the more chance for errant teaching – and over the years there has been a mountain of evidence to prove this idea. Discussions and studies will break out after these services and cannot be stopped and the Church, as you say, cannot be contained (or controlled) and will be much better for it. If the Holy Spirit is in it, what’s so unsafe? What’s so scary?
Stovall, I am a student pastor from another church here in Jville. I got to visit with my family due to some Fay probs at our church. Just wanted you to know that I loved it! Thanks! – Kevin
Pastor, I am with you..let’s reach people! Thank you for being a Pastor that realizes that “Jesus Christ is the owner and builder of His Church and that can never be contained geographically or physically!” AMEN!!!
I think you could combine the best of both worlds!
Awakening yourself to the God-First Life (or something to that effect)
I think this article hits the mark in explaining the purpose and vision for the Extension Gatherings! I’m sure this has been said before but another huge advantage is that it gives that individual who doesn’t consider him/herself an well versed public speaker a way to reach people in a fresh way that is safe and “non-spooky”. Thanks!