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The belief of the church family is far more important than the numbers. Often too much emphasis is put on statistics. In my country many churches are closing down each year and it saddens me. Worshippers are then having to travel far away to attend their service and sometimes can't go as much as they like because of the distance.

In a fast paced cut-throat world it is easy for some people to assume that small numbers aren't efficient or that small congregations aren't functioning but this simply isn't true. It is unfair to expect Churches to fit in with humanity's expectations rather than God's desires. God has His own timing.

In persecuted countries past and present Christians have had secret gatherings in small house churches that have brought hope in a time of distress. The amount of people isn't everything.

Picture a full church where no-one is paying attention or listening, the people attending are heavily burdened, not focusing on God but distracted with worries or thinking about a quarrel or the money they owe. The minister's words aren't heard. If the Bible message isn't received into their hearts then the numbers mean nothing. Imagine a small congregation, in the still of the quietness listening attentively their hearts brimming with love for the Lord then ask yourselves do the numbers matter?

No and churches shouldn't be closed because few people attend. I have experienced real peace in both small and large congregations. It isn't where we are that matters but whether we are open. God is still God whether we are one or more. The fact is we do draw strength from each other when we form a church community in His name. It is upto members to be a supportive network for each other as well as non believers. Being a Christian is about a way of life rather than the amount of members. Small churches shouldn't be penalised because of this.

Instead of focusing on numbers it is also important to consider perhaps why some churches have such small congregations. Sometimes it may be a rural church or in an area where people feel lost and that the church doesn't apply to their lifestyle anymore. This in itself could be a future challenge for change in the 21st century. In my opinion it is important to begin with human relationships and practical ways of helping others. When Christians reach out to the spiritually or physically needy it is then that people want to know more about God rather than a Church with opening times where the invitation is posted outside to turn up but where members of society feel afraid or unwelcome. It is essential to show God's love rather than simply tell the public about it.

Jesus began with an intimate gathering that has grown globally. Small or large in numbers I don't think it matters. Faith in God is more important than the size of the community and small congregations shouldn't be disbanded. Instead they should be thought of as a seed that starts small and needs love and attention to grow.

Learn more about this author, Cindy Silvester.
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