Shepherding a Small Flock: 16 Books to Enhance Your Leadership
In the landscape of American Christianity, small churches represent not just the majority of congregations but the heartbeat of faith communities across the nation.
According to recent studies, approximately 65% of all Protestant churches in America have fewer than 100 weekly attendees, with nearly 40% averaging fewer than 50 people each week.
These statistics reveal a crucial truth: while megachurches often capture media attention and shape popular perceptions of church life, the typical American congregation is small.
The median church size in America is just 65 regular participants, counting adults and children.
Here’s a breakdown of American Protestant churches by size:
Less than 50 attendees: 40% of all churches
50-100 attendees: 25% of all churches
100-250 attendees: 20% of all churches
250+ attendees: 15% of all churches
These numbers challenge the common narrative that bigger means better or more effective.
Small churches are not failed large churches – they are distinct organisms with their own strengths, challenges, and vital roles in the kingdom of God.
The following books address small church ministry’s unique dynamics, opportunities, and challenges. Rather than viewing small size as a problem to be solved, they explore how to leverage the inherent advantages of smaller congregations while addressing their specific challenges.
Whether you’re a pastor, leader, or member of a small church (and most of us likely are), these resources will help you embrace and maximize your church’s potential for ministry and impact.
16 Books on Pastoring a Small Church
Small Church Essentials ****by Karl Vaters
The Grasshopper Myth by Karl Vaters – Challenges the notion that bigger is always better in church ministry.
Thriving in a Small Church ****by Ron Crandall
The Strategically Small Church by Brandon J. O’Brien
Leading the Small Church by Glenn Daman
Shepherding the Small Church ****by Glenn Daman
Developing Leaders for the Small Church by Glenn Daman
Pastoring the Small Church by R. Robert Cueni – Provides practical advice for ministers in small-town churches.
The Gifts of the Small Church by Jason Byassee – Celebrates the unique blessings found in small church ministry.
Transforming Church in Rural America by Shannon O’Dell
Pastoring the Small Church by Eric Moore
The Lord’s Harvest and the Rural Church by Kent Hunter
Making the Small Church Effective by Carl Dudley
The Small Church at Large by Robin Trebilcock
Understanding the Single-Staff Church by D. G. McCoury
More than Numbers: the Ways Churches Grow by Loren Mead
These books offer valuable insights, strategies, and encouragement for pastors serving in small-town churches.
~Israel Galindo is the Associate Dean of Lifelong Learning. He directs the Pastoral Excellence Program of the Center for Lifelong Learning.
