Big Is Not Always Best...In Coaching And Ministry

I love college football. And after the kickoff to the college football season this past weekend, I am once again reminded of something. Each year it becomes clear how different coaches are far more effective coaching at certain institutions than others.

Here’s what I mean…it never fails that some coaches who had tons of success at a smaller school are recruited to coach at a larger school under the assumption and expectation that they will be able to naturally bring the exact same kind of winning culture to the larger school that they did at the smaller school. But what often ends up happening is that not only is the coach miserable at the larger school, but the things that made him a great coach at the smaller school simply don’t translate. They are two completely different worlds.

So, what often happens as a result? The coach ends up leaving the “BIG” school (either by choice or because they get fired) and going back to a smaller school where he “fits” far better and often experiences years of success. Coaching is fun again and the smaller school provides a context that frees him to be himself, use his gifts, and maximize his leadership impact. The “BIG” school was definitely not all it was cracked up to be.

Guess what…the same is true in ministry. While I am so thankful for the pastors who are uniquely built to lead and oversee the shepherding of large churches (I have many friends who faithfully lead large churches and I praise God for EACH of them!), the reality is that most churches are not large churches. In fact, around 90% of protestant churches in North America are under 200 people. The average church doesn’t need a BIG church pastor. They need a pastor who is gifted to love and serve and feed and pray for and be in the lives of a normal sized congregation. THIS is where the large majority of pastors will thrive. This is where the large majority of pastors will maximize their gifting. This is where the majority of pastors will experience the joy of ministry!

The bottom line is this…pastor, don’t believe the lie that success in ministry means pastoring a “BIG” church. Success in ministry is being faithful to the calling God has placed on your life, using your unique gifts and personality to shepherd whatever flock He asks you to oversee, regardless of size. Trust me, your joy will be found there.