Small Town, Small Church

It seems only fair to credit John Mellencamp as the co-author of this article. In 1985 John Cougar Mellencamp (as he was known at that time) wrote a song called “Small Town.” At one point it ranked as number two on the (cue the Casey Kasem voice) America’s Top 40, so it is likely that many people have heard it. Maybe you can hear it in your head right now. But in case the lyrics aren’t coming to you clearly yet, here are the words (feel free to sing along): [1]

Well I was born in a small town
And I live in a small town
Probably die in a small town
Oh, those small communities

All my friends are so small town
My parents live in the same small town
My job is so small town
Provides little opportunity

Educated in a small town
Taught the fear of Jesus in a small town
Used to daydream in that small town
Another boring romantic that’s me

But I’ve seen it all in a small town
Had myself a ball in a small town
Married an L.A. doll and brought her to this small town
Now she’s small town just like me

No I cannot forget where it is that I come from
I cannot forget the people who love me
Yeah, I can be myself here in this small town
And people let me be just what I want to be

Got nothing against a big town
Still hayseed enough to say
Look who’s in the big town
But my bed is in a small town
Oh, and that’s good enough for me

Well I was born in a small town
And I can breathe in a small town
Gonna die in this small town
And that’s probably where they’ll bury me

Although the first and final stanzas bear similarities, the tone distinctly shifts by the conclusion (it is there in the words, but it is especially there when listening to the song). While the song initially sounds a bit like a complaint, it ends more like a compliment and a source of pride. This rock star is reflecting gratefully on his life as a small town boy. If you are someone who calls a small town your home, you probably understand. Teenagers complain and say they can’t wait to escape their small towns, but many of them feel relief when they have the opportunity to return home, whether that is just for a visit or to reclaim an identity as a citizen, belonging to this small town.

I think the sentiment of this song also applies to those of us who grew up in a small church. Maybe even in a small church in a small town, like Mellencamp, who was “taught the fear of Jesus in a small town.” Sure, there might be complaints. Sometimes small churches (and towns) feel boring and repetitive. There can even be a degree of resentment, as small churches might not have large youth groups, opportunities for elaborate mission trips, or beautiful singing you might hear in a larger congregation. So some do finally make it to a larger scene, particularly in urban areas – and it makes sense. After all, “got nothing against a big [church] town.”

But, at least for me and probably many others, there is still something about a small church. Time passes and recollections of that small church return. Fond remembrances of the people, the place, the activities, the loving acceptance and embrace of that church family take up a lot of space in the heart. Despite limitations, smaller churches carry great strengths that can support flourishing spiritual communities. And at some point that small church may call out with a stronger voice than ever before. The close relationships, the reliance upon every single person, and the acceptance of who you are may call us back to a fellowship our spirits long for. Nothing fancy; just true and relatable. And comfortable. It’s like being home. And for me, it is home!

The prodigal son story from Luke 15 is a much richer story than the one point I wish to make here, but one point in this parable is the desire to simply come back home. It may have seemed like a good idea to get away, and at least for a time things may have seemed better, but not all those idealized visions fulfilled their promises. So he remembered home, still back there. And home is nice. For many people (myself included), coming back to that small church – that same small church from when we were younger – is a little slice of heaven. In fact, for those who have gone elsewhere to experience the big church life, or for those who wandered a path that took them away from any church whatsoever, maybe that same small church can become home once again.

Thanks, Mr. Mellencamp!

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[1] John Mellencamp, “Small Town,” on the album Scarecrow. Lyrics copyright by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, 1985.