Small Church Support
Since the Industrial Age began over two centuries ago there has been significant demographic change in the United States. By 1880 urbanization was in full growth mode. People left the farms and rural communities for the opportunities of the city in manufacturing, industry, finance, education and medicine. By 1920, the urban and rural population were about equal in the United States. Today, the urban population is around 80% with only 20% considered rural.
There are many factors that go into changing demographics. After World War II young families sought homes of their own outside the urban centers. Suburbs sprung up all around America. The automobile allowed people to live further away from work and enjoy more open spaces than the tightly packed city centers. By the 1960’s the exodus from downtown living to suburban lifestyles was in full swing. Cities like St. Louis and East St. Louis peaked in population as people away from the city. The large churches built in the downtown neighborhoods lost membership to the growing congregations in the suburbs.
Rural residents went were the jobs were located. The size of the average farm with the advent of increased machinery and technology has increased greatly from what it was a century ago. Once thriving, small communities offered every amenity that a person or family needed nearby. Again, the automobile played a major role in changing shopping, work and worship patterns. Smaller families and fewer people needed to farm every growing operations, meant that young people graduating high school or college sought employment elsewhere. Once thriving rural congregations have witnessed decades of steady decline. For instance, half of all LCMS congregations average 50 people or less in worship on a Sunday morning.
Ironically, there is a strong relationship between small town rural and downtown urban churches sharing similar declines in membership. The major difference is the composition of the changing community. Urban areas have more diverse ethnic groups in surrounding neighborhoods. Rural areas have an increased Hispanic composition but generally fewer people overall.
The Southern Illinois District is partnering with the Central Illinois District to provide encouragement and support to small(er) churches. Our tagline is simply, “If you think you are small, you are welcome.” In January 2025 we held a meeting at Faith, Mt. Vernon for congregations from either district to attend. The same meeting was held at Trinity, Pekin for congregations further north. Participants heard speakers on the latest witnessing helps and suggestions, record keeping in the small parish, especially during a pastoral vacancy and other available resources for congregations. Perhaps the best part of these meetings is the interaction that takes place between members from smaller churches sharing what is helpful with one another.
The next meeting is scheduled for the second Saturday in June where both districts will come together at a central location for further encouragement and support. Watch out publications for date, time and speakers. You are all welcome!
President Timothy Scharr
