Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of preaching in truly remarkable churches located in small towns. When I was in Bible College in the 1960s, the largest Christian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, had about 400 in attendance. There was only one Restoration Movement church in the nation I knew of that averaged over 1,000 weekly—First Christian Church in Canton, Ohio.

     Today, there are many healthy churches in small towns reaching hundreds, even thousands, of people and having a transformative influence for Christ in their communities. These congregations serve as powerful examples of what it means to be a healthy church, regardless of size or location. One of the most impressive of these is Ninevah Christian Church in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky (population 12,000). This past year, Ninevah Christian averaged 1,300 attendees every week!

     The church’s location is as unique as its story. Driving down a narrow country road about a mile outside of town, you round a corner and suddenly see a sprawling parking lot in front of an expansive church building. Where you might expect a barn or pasture, you find a sanctuary   seating 700, along with a fellowship hall, classrooms, and church offices.

     The preacher at Ninevah Christian is equally unique. Twenty-five years ago, Ninevah Christian was a small congregation of just a couple dozen congregants in need of a pastor. Terry Cooper, a successful corporate executive serving as vice president at Hitachi Automotive, had grown increasingly compelled to advance the gospel. He offered to fill the pulpit on weekends, and under his leadership, the church began to grow.

     Two years later, Terry took a bold step of faith, resigning from his position at Hitachi to become the church’s full-time pastor. With three children under the age of 16, this was a significant financial sacrifice for Terry and his wife, but they trusted God to provide.

     Reflecting on his journey, Terry wrote, “I have never been to Bible College or Seminary. I felt the powerful call of God on my life and trusted the Holy Spirit to make up for my lack of formal ministry training—and He surely has.” What Terry humbly omits is that God has blessed him with a sharp intellect, exceptional leadership ability, and a willingness to diligently steward those gifts in service to the church. His Spirit-empowered preaching is marked by conviction, clarity, and depth.

     Over the past 20 years, Ninevah has completed three major building projects, including a 700-seat worship center finished in 2010. Rapid growth inspired generous giving, enabling the church to become debt-free eight years ago. To accommodate their growing congregation, the church recently added a third worship service at 5:00 p.m. on Sundays, resulting in an attendance increase of 200 people in just ten months.

     Terry preaches through Scripture with a commitment to addressing challenging passages and cultural issues with courage and biblical integrity. He emphasizes the soon return of Christ while encouraging the congregation to engage deeply with God’s Word. As Isaiah 55:11 reminds us, “…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

     Unlike many small-town and rural churches, which often have a higher proportion of older adults, Ninevah boasts a vibrant congregation. Over 100 teenagers and more than 300 children (fifth grade and under) regularly attend Sunday services. Last year, the church baptized 180 people—an incredible testimony to its spiritual vitality and outreach.

     While some church growth experts suggest a ratio of one full-time staff member for every 100 attendees, Ninevah operates with a lean leadership team of seven full-time staff members, seven part-time staff, and five lay elders. The church relies heavily on what Terry calls “an army of passionate volunteers,” reflecting their shared commitment to ministry and service.

     Ninevah also has an impactful ministry to individuals struggling with addiction through its “Celebrate Recovery” program. Meeting every Monday night with an average attendance of 100, this ministry provides hope and healing for those in need. The church also maintains a robust online presence, expanding its reach beyond the local community. Each week, Pastor Cooper sends out a video email previewing the upcoming sermon, inviting members to prepare their hearts for worship and study.

     Reflecting on the past 25 years, Terry wrote, “We trusted God to provide, and He surely has. He has done amazingly more than any of us could have asked or imagined. In the early years, I often wondered why anyone would name a church ‘Ninevah.’ But then I realized one of the greatest recorded revivals in the Old Testament took place in Ninevah.”

     Ninevah’s story is inspiring, but it is not unique. Just 20 miles south, Carpenter’s Christian Church in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, has also experienced remarkable growth. Under the leadership of Greg Warren, a local schoolteacher and football coach turned bi-vocational preacher, Carpenter’s has grown to 800 weekly attendees in a town of just 9,000. Stories like these are being repeated across the country as vibrant small-town congregations demonstrate what it means to be healthy churches making a significant impact.

     While much of the national conversation focuses on declining church attendance, many small-town congregations have rebounded from COVID-19 and are thriving. They are a testament to God’s power and faithfulness in every context, reminding us of the encouragement in Hebrews 10:25:

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

 

Bob Russell is retired Senior Minister of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY.

www.bobrussell.org