Small Congregations Highlighted in Report on Kingdom Impact

Mancos United Methodist Church, a small congregation in rural southwestern Colorado, operates from an adobe-style sanctuary that accommodates only 15 pews—each seating five people comfortably. Despite its modest size, the church has made a significant impact on its community and contributed to a broader national conversation.

One example of this impact is the story of Rosa, a long-time resident who found refuge and support within the congregation during the first Trump administration. The church sheltered her from the threat of deportation and brought her case to national attention, ultimately helping her secure legal authorization to remain in the United States. Rosa expressed her gratitude in 2022, stating, “The church has been very welcoming, and I have felt the love of all of them and all of you. This embrace has helped me in so many ways.”

Wesleyan Impact Partners, a Texas-based nonprofit, has recognized the potential of small congregations like Mancos. With funding from the Texas Methodist Foundation, the organization published a 36-page report titled “Flourishing Small Churches,” profiling Mancos and eight other United Methodist congregations across the U.S. The report highlights how these churches, despite their small size, have a substantial influence in representing the Kingdom of God, much like the mustard seed in Jesus’ parable.

Rev. Kathleen McShane, director of learning and innovation at Wesleyan Impact Partners and pastor of First United Methodist Church in Paso Robles, California, initiated the study with a question: “What if the smallness of so many churches in United Methodism isn’t a problem, but an asset?” This perspective is particularly relevant in the current U.S. religious landscape, where nearly 70% of Protestant churches average fewer than 100 weekly attendees.

Most U.S. United Methodist churches are even smaller. As of 2024, the General Council on Finance and Administration reports that 12,607 U.S. United Methodist churches—64.5% of those that reported their attendance—had an average of 50 or fewer people in either in-person or online worship each week.

Wesleyan Impact Partners gave McShane the go-ahead to explore how these small United Methodist churches can thrive. To do so, McShane and her team first gathered nominations from across the denomination, identifying congregations that exemplify resilience and impact. The report aims to provide insights and strategies for sustaining and growing these vital communities.

Source: Read the original report