Why Small Churches Stay Small

I’m not going to tell you something you don’t already know.

And I’m not going to tell you to pray, because I trust you already have.

But if you’ve prayed, planned, and poured your heart into ministry and your Church is still struggling to grow…

There’s a good chance this is the reason: you haven’t embraced change, especially technological change.

(Note: If you haven’t already prayed, do so first)

The Real Barrier

Now, I can’t say that with certainty because we haven’t talked yet.

But there are thousands of Pastors of smaller Churches (200 members and fewer) who love Jesus deeply, preach faithfully, and still feel frustrated that growth seems slow or even stagnant.

When we look closer, the pattern’s almost always the same:

• They feel technology is “too worldly” or “not necessary.”

• They rely on word-of-mouth but rarely update their website or social media.

• They know change is needed… but it feels uncomfortable.

And that’s exactly the problem.

Resistance to change isn’t rebellion, it’s comfort disguised as conviction.

The Power of Perspective

Here’s the truth:
If your Church doesn’t adapt, you’re not protecting tradition, you’re preventing transformation.

Think about it:

The Gospel message hasn’t changed, but how people hear it certainly has:

The early Church used letters.
The Reformers used the printing press.
Missionaries used radio.
Today, the “mission field” is digital.

If your Church isn’t showing up there (and well), you’re invisible to the very people you’re praying for.

How to Break the Cycle

So how do you fix it without losing your Church’s identity?
Here’s a practical starting point you can do this week, without overwhelming yourself or your team.

Step #1: Take Inventory
Ask one simple question: When was the last time we updated how we reach people?

Look at your website, social media, and visitor process.

If it’s been over a year, it’s time to look into it.

Step #2: Start Small
Don’t overhaul everything overnight.

Choose one easy win:

• Post one Scripture-based encouragement online each week.

• Add a “Plan Your Visit” button to your website.

• Send a short follow-up email to first-time guests.

Step #3: Communicate the Why
Your people will resist if they don’t understand.

Explain from the pulpit that technology isn’t a replacement for the Gospel, it’s a vehicle for it.

It’s one way we “go into all the world” today.

Step #4: Equip and Empower
You don’t have to do it all yourself.

Find one tech-minded volunteer or youth leader and let them take ownership of online outreach.

Give them the vision and trust them with execution.

Step #5: Review, Refine, Repeat
Once a month, review what’s working.

Celebrate progress, even if it’s small.

A new visitor. A comment online. A testimony shared.

These are signs that you’re moving from striving to thriving.

The Bottom Line

Growth starts when you stop protecting comfort and start pursuing connection.

You don’t need flashy tools or massive budgets, just a willingness to change and a plan to steward it.

The world isn’t waiting for perfect Churches.

It’s looking for present ones.

So here’s my challenge for you today:

This week, take one step forward online, in outreach, or in your follow-up process.

You’ll be amazed what God can do with a Church that’s willing to move.

Need more clarity? You can book a call with me where we’ll look at your biggest issue in Church growth, and we’ll come up with a plan for you to solve it.

Jeremy G. Woods
CEO & Church Growth Coach
FaithVenture Media

Helping Pastors reach their community for Christ, without tech overwhelm.