The Strong Little Church
An interview with Christian A. Schwarz
October 1, 1999
Smaller churches do as well as larger churches in all key areas but one,
according to analyst Christian A. Schwarz. That bodes well for the future
of those in the shadow of mega-ministries.
Surveying 1,000 churches in 32 countries, he found eight principles of health
in churches around the world, regardless of size, culture, or denomination.
The resulting "natural church development" approach has prompted debate among
the experts worldwide. American pastors are starting to notice the observations
of someone with an international perspective. Schwarz heads the Institute
of Church Development in Germany.
Turned off by what he calls "technocratic thinking" in the church, Schwarz
is bullish on smaller congregations. His research tells him that's where
the action is. But Schwarz spies signs of reformation among churches of all
sizes, which he discussed with LEADERSHIP's Craig Brian
Larson.
We're hearing increased use of the term "church health" by those
who would have until recently talked about "church growth." What will health
look like in the coming decade?
I see two things. First is an emphasis on pursuing quality, not as against
quantity, but as the strategic root for quantity.
Once you understand what it means to set qualitative goals, to pursue them,
and to measure periodically whether you have reached these qualitative goals,
this will have a tremendous effect.
Second is a shift to the relevance of small churches. One of our most surprising
discoveries is that (while there are some notable exceptions) the bigger
a church grows, the worse it becomes both in quality and in its capability
to reach new people for Christ. In few ways is the bigger church a better
church.
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