Small

It's a huge world, but a truly postmodern church may begin to draw a lot of people. But it must remain small for the sake of community. It should either be physically small or have some sense of smallness about it.

I am a big fan of tables at church. Tables are built to get people into a small circle with one another. Usually this happens with family, friends or co-workers, but at church they allow you to engage with all sorts of people you never would have before.

I recall my first time at a church that had tables in the sanctuary. The middle of the sanctuary was rows of chairs but the sides were lined with tables, 4 on each side I believe. There was a family at our table (Mike and I), and we were able to meet all of them and even get to know the two little girls a little bit during the service. Discussion time was held at the table. Jokes were laughed at together. Worship was done in such a way you were conscious of these newcomers into your little realm. At the end when we were pulling out of the parking lot, the two little girls waived at Mike and I, 23 year old single males who typically never would have gotten to know a family there. Maybe eventually through some special event, but not regularly.

Tables naturally, by their nature, set you up for more success when it comes to community. It does not take a table to make that community happen, but it is a handy natural facilitator. It helps to keep things small.

Small groups are the other obvious way to keep things small when a community comes together. Other ideas will be listed this weekend, but does anyone have any more ways to keep things small?