Why Join a Small Church

by John Benton

A Christian married couple I know of had to move out of London and leave their church to go north with the husband's job." "Much to the surprise of some of their long-term Christian pals they began attending the little and very local Anglican church in the village to which they had moved. The Christian friends of the couple had concerns. The church was small, the teaching was not heretical but it was not great, and there was nothing there for their four children. "It was while talking through these concerns one evening with one of their friends that the husband made a comment which was highly significant. He said, How could we drive past one church to go to another?' They felt, before God, they just could not do it. "They refused to dismiss the little church because it was in a poorly state. They were more concerned to help Christ's cause there than they were for their own immediate welfare or enjoyment' of the ministry. "To join a big and thriving church is not always wrong, but it is frequently the easy option. To join a little, needy congregation is not a decision to be taken lightly. It will probably require far more guts, love, resilience and spiritual exertion. But how the devil would love to herd Christians into a few big city centre churches, getting them to travel miles from their communities, and leaving vast tracts of our country with no viable witness for the gospel. "This book is written as a plea for Christians to think again about getting involved with a small church. Ask yourself the question, How can we drive past one church to go to another?'"

64 pages, Paperback

First published November 9, 2008

About the author

John Benton studied at the University of Sussex, where he earned a science doctorate. He serves as co-pastor in Guildford, Surrey at the Chertsey Street Baptist Church, and also works as the managing editor of Evangelicals Now, a monthly newspaper. He has co-authored multiple books with his wife, Ann. J. Benton books include Coming to Faith in Christ, written for people who are just considering the Christian faith. This book is written in a straightforward style, containing relevant Bible references for readers to explore further, and is really a booklet-style tract. Evangelistic Calvinism explores each of the five points of Calvinism, comparing each of these doctrines of grace to five beautiful diamonds through which the glories of Jesus can shine. This is also a booklet-style tract. In God’s Riches, Benton has created an introductory workbook to Christian doctrine, helping Christians to systematically study to grow their faith.

Reviews

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book is only 60 pages long, but for those serving and struggling in small churches it is a great shot in the arm to encourage us to carry on. The author is not writing a theological realise - it is just what it purports to be - a challenge to carry on.

I hope the end of the book is not too much of spoiler.

Instead of asking the question that titles the book we might ask 'why not join a small church?'

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was glad to finally close the cover on this beautiful little book.

Why Join a small Church?

This is a question easily asked and barely answered. I loved reading what JB wrote – delving deeply in to the Bible and pondering what it might mean to be a someone who is more interested in the building of Jesus’ Kingdom than the leadership team of a particular expression of what it means to be church. It doesn’t mean that everyone should join a small church – but that the right answer for some people is to follow Gods leading in strange ways (in the world’s eyes).

https://www.thomascreedy.co.uk/book-r...

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was timely encouragement of where God has called me to serve currently. God doesn't call us all to the same ministry. But if God has called you to a small church, this is a great resource for you.

[Jonathan Ginn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5. A short, read-it-in-one-sitting booklet on a particularly significant topic that I have come to really care about in recent years. This concise work is by no means exhaustive, but it will at least give you some food for thought. Benton's writing is straightforward and he illustrates his points well. My only gripe is that his exposition of 1 Peter 1 in the third chapter felt rather out of place compared to the rest of the chapters.