
The Strategically Small Church
Intimate, Nimble, Authentic, and Effective
Brandon J. O'Brien(Author)
Baker Academic, Div of Baker Publishing Group
Published on 19. August 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
160 pages
978-1-5409-6911-8 (ISBN)
Description
Small churches are the norm in America: 90 percent of churches see fewer than 200 weekly attendees. In this revised and expanded edition, Brandon O'Brien reveals how small churches aren't just surviving--they're thriving by leveraging their unique strengths.
O'Brien explains that the smaller church is not a problem to solve or a liability to neutralize but a strategic advantage that can be leveraged for effective ministry in a variety of contexts. Smaller congregations offer powerful ministry opportunities in an era craving authentic community. In this transformative book, you will
? learn from real-world case studies of successful small churches making significant impact;
? unlock methods for higher lay involvement and commitment in smaller settings;
? discover why small churches encourage bridge building across age and lifestyle barriers;
? find help for implementing flexible strategies that larger churches struggle to adopt; and
? explore how to meet the growing desire for services that are personal, local, and intimate.
O'Brien shows how small churches can take full advantage of their size and analyzes how other churches can learn from their strategies.
This new edition includes 20 percent new material and incorporates insights from O'Brien's thinking on local church ministry after nearly two decades serving pastors worldwide. It is perfect for church leaders, students, and ministry teams seeking to maximize their impact regardless of size and includes discussion questions for pastors.
O'Brien explains that the smaller church is not a problem to solve or a liability to neutralize but a strategic advantage that can be leveraged for effective ministry in a variety of contexts. Smaller congregations offer powerful ministry opportunities in an era craving authentic community. In this transformative book, you will
? learn from real-world case studies of successful small churches making significant impact;
? unlock methods for higher lay involvement and commitment in smaller settings;
? discover why small churches encourage bridge building across age and lifestyle barriers;
? find help for implementing flexible strategies that larger churches struggle to adopt; and
? explore how to meet the growing desire for services that are personal, local, and intimate.
O'Brien shows how small churches can take full advantage of their size and analyzes how other churches can learn from their strategies.
This new edition includes 20 percent new material and incorporates insights from O'Brien's thinking on local church ministry after nearly two decades serving pastors worldwide. It is perfect for church leaders, students, and ministry teams seeking to maximize their impact regardless of size and includes discussion questions for pastors.
More details
Edition
Revised and Expanded Edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Ada, MI
United States
Publishing group
Baker Publishing Group
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Edition type
Revised edition
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 219 mm
Width: 143 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
198 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5409-6911-8 (9781540969118)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Brandon J. O'Brien (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is director of global thought leadership for Redeemer City to City. He is the author or coauthor of several books, including the bestselling Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes (with E. Randolph Richards), and has served as a pastor for two small congregations. O'Brien lives in Chicago, Illinois.
Content
Defining the Strategically Small Church
1. See for Yourself: Reimagining Ministry Success
2. The Future Is Small: Four Ministries Shrink for the Kingdom's Sake
3. All Church Is Local: The Authentic Church
4. Keeping It Lean: The Nimble Church
5. The Work of the People: The Empowering Church
6. New Focus on the Family: The Intergenerational Church
7. A Sacrifice of Praise: The Worshiping Church
8. Catch the Vision
1. See for Yourself: Reimagining Ministry Success
2. The Future Is Small: Four Ministries Shrink for the Kingdom's Sake
3. All Church Is Local: The Authentic Church
4. Keeping It Lean: The Nimble Church
5. The Work of the People: The Empowering Church
6. New Focus on the Family: The Intergenerational Church
7. A Sacrifice of Praise: The Worshiping Church
8. Catch the Vision