For many years, church leadership has often been measured by numbers—attendance, membership growth, and the size of a congregation. Success was frequently equated with larger buildings, more programs, and packed worship services. However, a growing number of leaders are recognizing that true transformation in the Kingdom is not about numbers alone, but rather about depth. Investing deeply in a smaller group of people can have a far greater impact than simply filling pews. Pastor Scott Sauls Nashville has emphasized the importance of relational discipleship over numerical success, encouraging leaders to prioritize deep, meaningful connections over broad, shallow engagement.
The Shift from Large to Small
There was a time when growing a church was the primary objective, and while expansion can be a good thing, it can also lead to a dilution of discipleship. As churches grow, the risk of people getting lost in the crowd increases. Many who sit in large congregations each week may never have a personal connection with their pastor or leadership team. They may attend services, hear powerful sermons, and even engage in church activities, but without intentional relationships, true discipleship remains elusive.
Jesus himself modeled a different way. Though he preached to thousands, he primarily invested in twelve disciples. He spent time with them, teaching them, walking with them, and preparing them for the mission ahead. His focus was not on building a mega-church, but on forming individuals who would carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. His ministry was deeply personal, and it was through these close relationships that the early church was born.
The Strength of Intentional Ministry
Leading a large church can often require a leader to function more as an administrator than as a shepherd. Pastors and church leaders can find themselves consumed by managing programs, coordinating staff, and overseeing logistics, leaving little time for personal discipleship. When leaders choose to focus on a smaller, more intentional ministry, they regain the ability to truly shepherd people, walking alongside them in their faith journeys.
A smaller focus does not mean a smaller vision—it means a deeper one. Instead of casting a wide net that struggles to hold people, a more intentional approach builds strong, lasting foundations. When leaders spend time investing in a few, equipping them to lead and disciple others, the ripple effect is far greater than any large event could achieve.
This approach also allows for deeper accountability. In smaller groups, leaders can provide individualized guidance, support, and encouragement. They can identify struggles, celebrate victories, and offer wisdom in a way that is often impossible in larger settings. As a result, spiritual growth becomes more personal and sustainable, rather than dependent on the energy of a weekly gathering.
Long-Term Impact Over Immediate Growth
The temptation to focus on growth is understandable. A full sanctuary, an expanding budget, and a thriving schedule of events can feel like tangible evidence of success. However, true success in ministry is measured not by the size of a congregation, but by the depth of transformation in people’s lives.
When leaders invest deeply in a few, they create a multiplying effect. Those who are discipled well will go on to disciple others, creating a chain reaction that extends far beyond what one leader could accomplish alone. This kind of growth may take longer and may not always be immediately visible, but its impact is lasting.
The early church grew not because of massive gatherings, but because of deep relationships. The apostles focused on teaching, mentoring, and equipping individuals who then carried the gospel into their own communities. House churches became the foundation of the faith, proving that smaller groups could be just as powerful—if not more so—than large gatherings.
The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is best nurtured in the context of community. While large gatherings can inspire and unite, they do not replace the need for close relationships. People grow when they are known, challenged, and supported in meaningful ways.
Smaller, intentional ministries allow for deeper conversations, more vulnerability, and stronger bonds. People are more likely to share their struggles, seek guidance, and engage in authentic discipleship when they feel truly seen and valued. This sense of belonging fosters an environment where transformation is not just encouraged but expected.
The strongest communities are not those built around a single charismatic leader, but those where leadership is shared and discipleship is prioritized. When people are equipped to invest in others, the church becomes a movement rather than just an institution.
Embracing a New Definition of Success
For many leaders, stepping away from large-scale ministry to focus on a smaller group can feel like a step backward. The cultural narrative often equates success with expansion, and the idea of intentionally narrowing focus can seem counterintuitive. However, true success in ministry is not about how many people are present, but about how many lives are changed.
Ministry leaders who shift their focus to investing in a few often find that their influence actually increases. By spending time deeply mentoring and discipling a small number of people, they create leaders who will go on to impact others. This model of multiplication ensures that their ministry legacy extends far beyond their own reach.
Rather than striving for numbers, leaders who embrace this model focus on faithfulness.
They recognize that success is found in obedience to God’s calling, not in external validation. By trusting that the work they do in a few will bear fruit in many, they step into the kind of ministry that Jesus himself modeled.
Conclusion
A small, intentional ministry is not a lesser form of leadership—it is often the most powerful. Investing deeply in a few allows for genuine discipleship, long-term transformation, and a multiplying effect that extends far beyond what can be immediately seen. Large churches and programs have their place, but the heart of the Kingdom is built on relationships. When leaders embrace the strength of small, they find that their impact is not diminished but deepened. In the end, it is not about how many people are gathered but about how many are truly changed.