Large Congregations Library

Here is the Large Congregations Library comprising papers by various authors on key topics for the leaders of large congregations. You may also access a recommended reading list of books that are especially valuable for the leaders of large congregations. To find a wealth of further web resources please see Large Congregations Resources. 

Files are in PDF format 

Congregational Size Transitions

• Size Really Does Make a Difference! by Stefan Jonasson
  Next to its particular history and culture, size is the most revealing frame of reference for understanding a church.

Governance

• The Size and Shape of Governance by Stefan Jonasson
  Nowhere is the one-size-fits-all approach to church life more likely to cause difficulty than when it is applied to congregational governance.

Ministry

• Ministry Changes as Churches Grow by Stefan Jonasson
  There are different styles of ministry, some of which are better suited than others to congregations of each size.  In large congregations, the nature of ministry changes dramatically, beginning with the degree of specialization that is required.

Religious Education

The Case against Church School Fees by Stefan Jonasson
Church school fees subvert efforts to cultivate responsible stewardship.

Small Group Ministry

• Covenant Group Ministry in Large Congregations Or, How to Connect with Nine People You Would Otherwise Never Meet by Elizabeth Barrett
  The work of beginning and running a small group ministry program may be more difficult in a large church than in a smaller one for several reasons.

Staffing Matters

• Staffing the Large Congregation by Stefan Jonasson
  Developing an effective church staff requires adequate numbers, balance, clear lines of authority and motivating leadership.

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