Benefits of Joining a Small Church

Tired of being part of a church that's so big nobody really knows you? Switch gears and go to a smaller one. Spiritual houses with less than 1,000 people often can give you the personalized touch you've been looking for.

Benefit #1: Local flavor.

Get a taste of your local flavor at a small church. Most of the members will be residents of your neighborhood. You'll see the owner of your favorite restaurant, the funny gal at Wal-Mart and the town's barber. Although you may not know all of them by name, you'll feel a certain vibe - one that represents your area.

Benefit #2: Homey ambience.

Want to be in a Christ-like environment in which the people treat you like one of the family? Join a small church. You will get to enjoy small functions at individual homes and find out how each fellow member came to religion. Right away, you'll know if the place you're going to is home.

Benefit #3: Old-school music.

If you're tired of hearing your favorite hymnals turned into Christian rock or R&B, go to a small church. Many of them still stick to the kind of hymns you grew up with as a child. Without even reading the lyrics, you'll remember and be brought back to days of yore. You know - when you clapped for Jesus because you were "happy".

Benefit #4: An available pastor.

One of the biggest complaints about large churches is the lack of availability of the pastors. In order to get a one-on-one session with him, you have to be under special circumstances or on staff. Fortunately, this reality isn't true in small churches. Join a small church and the minister will still have a hands-on-approach and be able to fit you into his schedule.

Benefit #5: Traditional services.

Desiring some old-time religion? Visit a small church. In general, the pastor will conduct services in a way similar to your faith. So, if you're Baptist, expect a fire and brimstone sermon, preceded by a gospel choir and offering plate. There will be water baptism for infants, a row for the mother's of the church and only grape juice for communion. You won't have to worry about the introduction of anything foreign to the service that will throw you off guard.

These are just a few of the benefits of joining a small church. Find one in your local area today and get back to your roots.