For God so loved small towns that He sent His one and only Son…
That’s not how John 3:16 reads, of course—but it was the theme of a workshop I attended at the Exponential Conference last month. I went to four workshops, and this one was by far the most encouraging and impactful.
The heart of the workshop was simple: God loves small towns, and God longs to reach people in small towns.
I’ll admit that when I think about church planting or multiplication, I often focus on population growth. If more people are moving in, then surely the need for new churches is obvious. But the workshop reminded me that the need is just as great in smaller communities. There are still many people in our rural areas who need the love and grace of Jesus. In our conference, we have opportunities to plant churches in growing cities—and perhaps even more opportunities in small towns. The harvest is plentiful, if we will only see and respond.
The potential impact of a church in a small town can be tremendous—sometimes even greater than in a large city, at least in terms of community influence. In a smaller setting, a church plant must naturally engage the community, build relationships, and be present in the rhythms of everyday life. That presence makes a difference.
This is, in many ways, exactly what Advent celebrates.
Jesus came not to the center of power but to a family in a small rural village. Much of His ministry took place in the hill country of Galilee rather than the busy streets of Jerusalem. We rejoice that Jesus came for the whole world, just as John 3:16 tells us—but we also remember that He came for each individual, each household, and each community, whether it has one flashing stoplight or none, whether it is rural, urban, or suburban. Jesus came so that all might know His life and His love.
This Advent season, I am praying for each of our Global Methodist Churches to bear bold witness to the great gift of Christmas. God stepped down from eternity to walk our dirt roads, enter our neighborhoods, and transform our lives. Every person needs to be reminded that they matter deeply to God, and every community—large or small—needs a Jesus-centered, Spirit-filled, disciple-making church to encourage us as we grow in holiness.
May you have a Merry Christmas and truly Holy Days.
