Too often, small churches carry a sense of shame or inferiority to their larger neighbors. Yet throughout scripture, God values what is small. This four week stewardship sermon series encourages a “little flock” to continue in the small, humble, holy work that is uniquely theirs to do.
It’s the Little Things Series Outline
Week 1: Bread Crumbs and Bravery
Scripture: John 6:1-15
The miracle portion of this scripture is so familiar that we often overlook the disciples’ predicament. When a crowd of thousands approaches them, Jesus asks them to provide food. Andrew, who is apparently a good accountant, exclaims that there is not enough money to buy so much food. He has not, though, accounted for Jesus, who is able to take the small offering of a small boy and multiply it to feed the thousands. Small churches often find themselves in Andrew’s predicament, feeling overwhelmed and under-resourced. However, when we each offer what we are able to, Jesus still does miracles through small churches.
Week 2: Sparrows and Sustenance
Scripture: Luke 12:22-32
In this famous passage, Jesus speaks tenderly to his disciples about God’s sustaining care. The examples he names–sparrows, ravens and lilies–are not particularly rare or impressive examples of flora and fauna. Yet, Jesus insists, God delights in them and gives them what they need. Jesus expresses here a “theology of sustenance”–that in God’s economy and environment, all of creation has just enough of what it needs. In small churches (“sparrow churches”), we know the value of living with just enough, and in having to seek out God’s goodness anew each day. Small churches foster a full reliance on God and are showcases for God’s generosity.
Week 3: Coins and Constancy
Scripture: Mark 12:38-44
In this miniature scene from Mark’s gospel, Jesus draws his disciples’ attention to a contrast: the rich people who make large donations are actually only giving a little, while the poor widow who drops in two tiny coins gives everything she has. Only Jesus sees the enormity of her gift, which he calls her “ton bion”–her whole life. Many small congregations do not have large, flashy ministries that beget impressive statistics or extensive publicity. However, we are practiced at giving our whole life away–to God, to our communities, and to each other. How can you help your congregation see that Jesus celebrates what others dismiss as small?
Week 4: Heaven in Hiding
Scripture: Philippians 4:1-9
In this fourth chapter, Paul offers a kind of blueprint for how to be church when everything is falling apart–a list of spiritual practices to marry “church life” with the life of faith. Nothing Paul suggests here is particularly new or exotic. These are basic, lifelong practices to strive for again and again. What moves a congregation forward in faith is often not some new and shiny project, but the ministry of constancy–of giving, praying, loving, studying, praying on a regular basis. After all, what most shapes a discipline of generosity is not the amount of money we give but the constancy of that giving. As you move towards the close of stewardship season, invite your congregation to see their financial gifts as a ministry that moves the whole congregation forward.
Ministry Resources
It’s the Little Things Liturgy, including
It’s the Little Things Stewardship Resources
- It’s the Little Things Graphic (editable Canva template)
- Example Pledge Card (editable Canva template)
- Example Stewardship Letter
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