Three years after graduating from Abilene Christian University with a degree in Bible, I had the opportunity to move to a small, rural community in the Texas Panhandle. It was a warm and welcoming town of 4,000 people. The local church where I served was made up of relatively young families. The energetic members were always looking for something that would draw them closer to one another. That led to retreats, sending the youth to church camp, and meeting regularly for fellowship meals.

The church was actively involved with supporting mission efforts. An area Christian children’s home was of particular interest and received a little monetary support in the past. So after learning of some specific needs, the church decided to become more involved. They took on one of the cottages at the children’s home as “one of their own,” and took on the entire support of the home. That was a rather intense commitment, but the church stepped up to the challenge and provided the necessary funds.

What was perhaps even more impressive to me as a young preacher was the personal involvement. One day each month, several men of the church loaded onto the church bus and made the 45-mile trip to the children’s home. On average, there were about 15 men who spent the day doing various tasks at the site. Things like painting the fence railing, yard work, general maintenance on the building and other projects that needed attention.

The men were excited about the opportunity to help. It gave them the chance to put their skills to work, as many of them were from rural and farming backgrounds. They took their own tools and expertise and went to work. After the day of work, they enjoyed a meal together in the town before going back home.

Those things certainly blessed the children and the home, but they also gave the men of the church a specific purpose. In addition to the weekly activities of normal church work, assemblies, and Bible studies, the men used their physical gifts and abilities. This went on for several months. The men took great interest in the work and were proud of their finished projects.

That personal involvement led to other things. A couple of times each year, the children’s home brought the children to the church. They joined worship services and fellowship meals. Through these regular meetings and work days, the church, and especially the men, connected with the home in a meaningful way. That relationship grew through the years and benefited all who were part of it.

Looking back on those days, the church’s involvement with a children’s home provided a special blessing. It took place during a time when they were looking to be the church. They wanted to go beyond simply writing a monthly support check to local and foreign missions or benevolent efforts. They wanted to put their Christianity to work.

When considering the work of the local church, it might be good to get the various groups within the church more involved in certain activities or projects. What happened at this church could take place anywhere. Whether it involves a men’s group, a women’s group, or a group of young people, there is always a need for the members to explore ways they can come together for a common cause.

Many times, the small church has a hard time thinking of new ways to do church. They need some fresh ideas of how they can go beyond the regular meeting times and fellowships to make a difference in the lives of others. When that happens, they often find new relationships or strengthen old ones within their church family.

One of the contributions a new minister can make to a church serves is to be creative in offering such opportunities. The church may be looking for something new to inspire or to bring a spark to what has been done in the past. Perhaps, the preacher has some new ideas which will promote growth, unity, and partnership with a nearby mission or benevolent effort.

The one caution is to not seek to implement such ideas until the preacher has developed a good rapport with the church. Indeed, the church may be looking for something new. However, the preacher needs to be aware of the right time to offer these types of suggestions or perhaps even wait until asked to do so. May the preacher who serves small churches be mutually blessed as they work together.