Category Archives: Worship

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Embracing Intimacy – The Benefits Of A Small Church Congregation!

Eureka Baptist Church – Discover Hope, Healing, Happiness And Home!

Hello, dear friends! Today, I want to talk about something close to my heart and undoubtedly vital for the spiritual journey of countless believers: the incredible blessings and benefits of being part of a smaller congregation. I have had the privilege of Pastoring churches of every shape and size. Every church is special and has its advantages and challenges, but today I want to take a few moments to focus on the benefits of a small church congregation. You see, in our fast-paced world where bigger often seems better, it’s easy to overlook the profound and unique advantages that smaller churches bring to the table. So, let’s dive into the wonderful world of small congregations and uncover a few of the gems hidden within these close-knit communities.

1. Authentic Community and Genuine Relationships

One of the greatest strengths of a smaller congregation is the authentic community it fosters. In a small church, you’re not just another attendee; you’re family. Relationships go beyond the surface level, creating a web of support, love, and accountability. It’s within these tight-knit communities that we find genuine friendships that last a lifetime. As Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” In a small church, you have the opportunity to truly sharpen one another in your walk with Christ. Some of my greatest growth comes from my personal one on one interaction with the church family I get to do life with.

2. Personalized Pastoral Care

In smaller congregations, pastoral care can be more personalized and attentive. The shepherd knows his sheep by name. This means that your pastor is not just a distant figure delivering sermons but a close mentor, guide, friend and often an adopted family member who understands your unique spiritual needs and challenges. Jesus modeled this kind of intimate care when He said in John 10:14, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” One of the great benefits for me as a Pastor of a small congregation is that often go with the intention of being a blessing and end up being the one blessed.

3. Everyone Has a Role to Play

One of the most beautiful aspects of small congregations is that there’s room for everyone to serve. In a smaller church, every member’s gifts and talents are recognized and utilized. This inclusivity leads to a vibrant and active church life where everyone feels valued and necessary. As 1 Corinthians 12:27 reminds us, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” Each person’s contribution is vital to the health and function of the church body. A small congregation may not have all the bells and whistles, but it does offer all ages the opportunity to be involved in a meaningful and productive way that gives God glory and everyone blessing.

4. Flexibility and Responsiveness

Smaller congregations have the advantage of being more flexible and responsive to the needs of their members and the community. They can quickly adapt to new ideas, implement changes, and address specific concerns without the layers of bureaucracy that can often slow down larger organizations. This agility allows for a more dynamic and relevant ministry that can effectively meet the evolving needs of the congregation and the surrounding community. A small congregation may not have all the rules and regulations in place that often hinder the spontaneous direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit, so that some of the most exciting ministry is not planned, but just happens.

5. Deeper Discipleship Opportunities

Discipleship in a smaller church can be more focused and tailored. Pastors and leaders have the capacity to mentor individuals closely, offering personalized guidance and support. This depth of discipleship helps members grow in their faith and develop a stronger, more intimate relationship with Jesus. As Paul encouraged Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” In small congregations, this passing on of wisdom and knowledge is beautifully facilitated by all ages coming together and growing through one another.

6. Intimate Worship Experiences

Worship in a smaller congregation can feel like a family gathering, creating a powerful sense of unity and intimacy. When you worship together in a close-knit setting, the presence of God feels tangible, and the collective worship becomes a shared, heartfelt experience. As Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” The simplicity and sincerity of worship in a smaller church can lead to profound spiritual encounters. It may not always be the most flashy or professional, but it comes straight from the heart and touches deep in the soul.

7. Strong Support Network

Last, but not least, smaller congregations often provide a strong support network for their members. Whether celebrating life’s milestones or facing difficult trials, the church community is there to offer love, encouragement, and practical help. This support is a tangible expression of God’s love and a beautiful demonstration of living out Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” We are better together and while we may be small in number, we are big in heart and spirit.

In conclusion, dear friends, while larger churches have their place and their own set of advantages, the blessings of a smaller congregation are deeply significant and impactful. In a smaller church, you’re not just part of a crowd; you’re part of a family. It’s in these intimate settings that we can truly experience the love, care, and support that God intends for His children. So, I encourage you to embrace the beauty of smaller congregations and let God use these close-knit communities to deepen your faith and enrich your spiritual journey.

Pastor Michael Joe Harvell – Eureka Baptist Church, Anderson South Carolina

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Why I Do What I Do!

I still remember taking those test in High School that are supposed to tell you what you are supposed to be when you grow up and mine always indicated that I had the potential to be and do a lot of things, but no real desire or focus in any single direction. I remember thinking, I just wish someone would tell me what to do?

What I really loved was the spiritual life and the idea that we can have friendship with God, but back in those days, there were not many people big on the “personal relationship” part. The focus was more on getting you saved, baptized and into membership of the local church.

I could not really see myself being a Pastor/Preacher/Teacher,, because I just did not think of myself as being intelligent enough and I absolutely hated studying. I thought maybe God wanted me to be a Youth Minister. Down deep in my heart, I knew I was called and gifted by God to be a Pastor/Preacher/Teacher, but I felt like everyone else would judge me as inadequate, because I certainly did not feel that I was qualified or could even become qualified.

I remember a traveling evangelist coming through town and he came and spoke at our school. The story he told was that back in his younger days he had been running with the wrong crowd and one night he was with some guys that decided to rob a store. They all got caught and he went to jail and while he was in jail, he met Jesus and accepted Him as his Savior. The relationship with Jesus changed his life and he was so on fire because of the amazing relationship he had with Jesus. He was in our town for about a week and I remember going to hear him preach every chance I got. I do not remember his name, but I do remember how God began to deal with me and my future in a very real way during that time. For the first time, I knew what I felt in my heart about growing in a personal relationship with God was of vital importance to the Kingdom and we’ve got to start talking about this.

I had accepted Christ at a young age and had been a pretty good boy growing up. My family and church had raised me to know the difference between right and wrong. I generally chose right, because I wanted to be pleasing to God and especially because I did not want to disappoint my Granny or Mother. A lot of the teenage temptations did not interest me, because I cared more about what other people thought and that often kept me on the straight and narrow. (Not for the right reason, but it worked for the most part.)

After the evangelist left town, I really began to grow in my devotional times with God. I began everyday in His Word and I journaled and did my best to pray without ceasing. I can still remember going out at night to have long walk and talks with Jesus. Trying to figure out what He wanted me to do with my life. I remember praying one night: “God if I have to go to jail in order to find your will and serve you, then I am willing to do whatever I need to do.” Looking back, this was the very first time that I truly began to acknowledge God’s call upon my life.

As I grew in my faith and relationship, God began to also make it clear that He wanted me to be a Pastor/Preacher/Teacher for Him and His Kingdom. He showed me that a big part of what I was supposed to do, was just share the relationship and help others get into it and grow through it. So that is how it all started. There is a lot more to the journey, but that will be for another time.

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. -Philippians 2:1-4

Today I was thinking about my “WHY?” Why am I a Minister (Pastor/PreacherTeacher)? Why am I a Master Life Coach? Why am I a Mentor? And here are Seven Reasons That Make Up My Why!

1.) God has called me and gifted me to do what I do!

2.) There is a much bigger picture of God and I really do want everyone to get it!

3.) The Bible is more than a book, it’s a love letter full of directions, guidance and instructions for living the blessed life we were created for.

4.) The Church is God’s best plan for us doing life together so that we can encourage, grow and motivate one another.

5.) A Relationship with God really does make all the difference and someone has to believe that, share that and help others get it right.

6.) I’m not perfect and I don’t have to be, because God actually wants to use my imperfections to bring greater glory to Himself and encouragement to others.

7.) I’ve given God plenty of opportunities to give up on me, turn His back on me and/or zap me with a lighting bolt, but every time, He reminds me that His GRACE is sufficient…

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WHY CHURCH?

The CHURCH is not a building. To think of the church as a building is to limit it in so many different ways. The CHURCH is the physical gathering together of spiritual believers. We gather together, because we’ve been brought from death to life and our spirit is empowered to help us live life at a higher level. We gather together to worship the ONE , Who has made it all possible. We gather together to study, learn and grow as disciples set apart to something better than just getting by. We gather together to bless, encourage and serve others, because when we do this we are serving the ONE, Who makes everything possible. We gather together, because we are better, stronger and more powerful together than apart.

Coming together on Sunday is about accountability, community, connection, encouragement, growth, networking, relationship and so much more. This face to face, heart to heart and spirit to spirit interaction accomplishes things that nothing else can. It’s God’s designed way for us to become all that He has created and crafted us to be and then some.

“Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhort one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” -Hebrews 10:25

Why Church? Because Church Is Ministry We Are All In Need Of…

The Ministry OF Relationship! We are a part of something much bigger than ourselves. We belong to a spiritual family that loves us at our best and worst. We are united together as the family of God, a group of men, women, boys and girls who believe in the Gospel “good news” that God made a way where there was no way, so that we might have abundant and everlasting life.

The Ministry Of Example! We need one another to grow spiritually the way God designed us to grow! When we do life together we learn from each other’s failures and successes. We see how “not to do it” and how to “do it”. Learning from failure and success are both important and the good news is: It is not dependent upon you being perfect and never making a mistake. It is just simply dependent upon you living your life, learning along the way and sharing the journey with others.

The Ministry Of Presence! We grow one another! The best way to learn is from one another. When we come together in unity, in spite of all that tries to divide us, it is a brilliant testimony to the rest of the world that there is something (SOMEONE) greater that unites us and ties us together. Young, old and in-between, from every socio-economic background, all colors and creeds, from every walk of life – united in Christ, yielded to the Spirit and in love with God our Creator.

I want to encourage you to find a church that you can be a part of, because you have blessings that someone else needs and somewhere there is someone waiting on you with a blessing you’ve been looking for…