Teresa J. Stewart
Author, Speaker, Teacher, ConsultantSmall congregations are my passion.
Small congregations are not big places in miniature. They work differently. With different challenges and with distinctive strengths not generally available in big settings.
SmallChurch.org is a free online resource for small-setting worship and ministry. It includes practical ideas, inspirational sparks, and seasonal plans that actually fit congregations with fewer than 100 folks.
Ready to share a story, question, or idea with me?
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May. 31, 2023
Book Sneak-a-Peek: “The Glorious Gospel of Making Do”
“It’s an essential, hiding-in-plain-sight theme in the Bible: making do. God’s work never depends on ideal plans, perfect people, or the right resources. Instead with the boldness of divine love, God works with whatever and whoever. God makes do.
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May. 30, 2023
In Praise of Scrappy Congregations
A Lutheran pastor recently shared her preferred name for small ministry settings: Scrappy Congregations.
Brilliant!
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Jul. 07, 2022
A Blog Pause for Book Work
Great news! Market Square Books will be publishing my work on small congregation advantages. It should be out in Spring 2023.
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Jun. 23, 2022
But We Used To Be A Big Church…
Small congregations come in lots of flavors. The differences matter—even when the size is the same. See 2 reorienting questions for but-we-used-to-be-big congregations.
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Jun. 06, 2022
Participation Lessons for the Pentecost Season
Pentecost was not a spectator sport. It was not made for an audience. Observers saw drunks. But participants experienced something else–the good news of the High Holy in the Right Here.
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May. 23, 2022
A Superpower Story of Small-Setting Nimble
May. 12, 2022
In Lament of Praise Bands
Apr. 25, 2022
Four Hybrid Worship Lessons from Small Congregations
Apr. 18, 2022
Small-Group Worship in Big-Group Space: The Challenge, Two Fixes, and How the Good News Talks Back
Mar. 28, 2022
Co-Creating Palm to Passion with Your Small Congregation
Mar. 20, 2022
3 Holy Week Resources for Small Congregations: Let the Scripture Work
Mar. 14, 2022
Story Sharing in Worship: Children, Easter, and the Miracle of Mirror Neurons
Mar. 07, 2022
Sharing Your Insight: What Do You Notice About Performance and Participation?
Feb. 28, 2022
Lenten Prayer: Simple Reminders for These Complicated Times
Feb. 21, 2022