Category Archives: Small church

The Way Ahead

Posted on May 6, 2025 by smaxreisert

Based on the sermon from Old South Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Hallowell, Maine, 5/4/2025. Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the … Continue reading →

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Making It Work for the Smaller Church, Part 4: Trust

Posted on October 1, 2024 by smaxreisert

Near the beginning of the Disney animated film Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, recently run away from the palace and trying to make her way through the local market, gets herself in a wee bit of trouble. Her only escape is offered … Continue reading →

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Making It Work for the Smaller Church, Part 3: Sign Ups

Posted on September 16, 2024 by smaxreisert

Depending on the context, it can be a controversial topic: the alteration of the typical line-up of boards and committees for the average congregationally-inclined local congregation. For those churches whose identities are deeply tied to the active participation of those … Continue reading →

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Making It Work for the Smaller Church, Part 2: Committees

Posted on August 31, 2024 by smaxreisert

I have this scene that plays like an old-fashioned film strip in my head. It’s the early 1950s. The leadership of a Mainline Protestant church somewhere in an ordinary suburban setting has gathered to deal with a new problem: so … Continue reading →

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Making It Work for the Smaller Church, Part 1: Worship

Posted on August 13, 2024 by smaxreisert

Over the years, Old South Church in Hallowell, Maine has made many adjustments— to how we gather, how we organize ourselves, how we get important jobs done, how we worship together, etc. Many of the changes have been dictated by … Continue reading →

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