Fostering Collaborative Partnerships between Large and Small Churches
In Jesus’ prayer in John 17, He prayed for unity among believers. In verse 23, He wanted His presence to be seen in their unity so that “the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” While this verse has often been applied to sharing with one another and to relationships with the community, we should also consider its impact on relationships between individual churches.
What would unity and love look like between congregations of different sizes and backgrounds? It would probably look a lot like the image that we see in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, where each part is important, has a special purpose, and deserves equal concern. In this analogy, when one part of the body rejoices, the rest rejoices, and when one hurts, the entire body hurts. This type of mutual love and concern is what will demonstrate Christ’s call to us to witness to the world in John 17.
Many of the smaller and rural churches in our fellowship are struggling. Those that have been faithfully serving for years are getting tired, and are in need of support and encouragement. Do we feel the struggle of our brothers and sisters in the churches surrounding us? Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Churches that are in a good place—whether that be in size, finances, or personnel—should look down the road to check on their nearby brothers and sisters. Churches with greater resources should consider providing support and encouragement to smaller congregations, making an eternal difference by encouraging preservation and growth.
A scarcity mindset sometimes holds us back. While churches need to follow solid financial guidelines, there is sometimes a fear that, if we share resources with someone else, we are using them up rather than believing that God will provide what is needed: funding, staff members, curriculum resources, and wisdom can be shared. Missionary Hudson Taylor said, “God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.” Churches need to live like they believe that God will provide.
As churches partner together, two things should be kept in mind. First, smaller churches need to value their calling: they serve in a similar setting as the early church. They should not look down on their size or what they have to offer the Kingdom. In Deuteronomy 7:7 God encouraged Israel saying they were not chosen because of their size. God does not show preference for larger congregations.
Second, larger churches should not measure their value against smaller congregations or credit their size to how well they are doing things. How faithful one is to the mission does not depend on size. All churches are called to be a witness in different contexts and populations. Instead, as Todd Benkert has written, large and small churches should recognize the value of each partner, “truly assessing and acknowledging unique gifts and strengths and expecting each partner to bring those gifts to the table” (“6 Partnership Principles for Larger and Smaller Churches,” RPM Ministries, January 9, 2014). All sizes offer different strengths and can support one another in meaningful ways. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says to “encourage one another and build each other up.” Churches should be co-laborers rather than competitors.
Attendees at the Equip Conference at York University in March 2026 were invited to complete a survey about their experience with small and rural churches. Several practical strategies were offered for fostering partnership between churches of varying sizes. First, one recurring suggestion was for larger churches to send people to assist with leading worship, which would be a great encouragement to smaller congregations and provide some respite to their leaders. This is advantageous to the church which has come to help, too, as small churches are well-suited to give ministry experience and help others cultivate spiritual gifts. Churches often look far and wide to help people gain ministry experience in a memorable context, when there may very well be opportunities down the road.
Second, the idea of collaborating on community events and initiatives was mentioned by several, with a particular emphasis on the shared use of resources. This has also been mentioned by survey respondents as something of great value to smaller congregations who may not have the resources to do these events alone. This gives them new opportunities to connect to the community. The collaboration also affirms them, showing honor to them as equal partners in the Gospel.
Third, when a church has extra resources, or is not using something anymore, perhaps they could first look to see if another congregation could use it. Examples of this could be song books, curriculum, or furniture.
Fourth, a large church adopting at least one smaller church could provide great encouragement. This would help all parties develop a Kingdom-sized vision, seeing how the Church and ministry look through new eyes.
Fifth, preachers from larger congregations could gather a cohort made up of preachers from smaller congregations in their area. These types of conversations are invaluable to all involved—including the minister from the larger congregation. People who initiate mutual mentoring relationships will benefit at least as much as those they are reaching out to.
These practical ideas for potential collaboration are just the beginning. It’s important to begin with an attitude of listening and learning. Listening demonstrates love and helps us better understand the true needs of other congregations. Churches need one another. Our shared goal should be to help each other become as effective as possible for the Kingdom.
