Fire Preaching, Hymn Singing, and the Small Church

Someone told me recently, "I just want to find a hymn-singing, small church that preaches with some fire."

He wasn't interested in a loud, smoke-filled concert or flashy lights. He just wanted to sing traditional hymns, nothing fancy. More importantly, he was looking for a church that preaches the Word—a preacher who lays out the truth. He felt he needed a bit more "hell" in the sermons to motivate him to live out God’s will, and he preferred a smaller, more intimate congregation.

I share this not to put down churches with loud worship music and large congregations. Praise God that they exist and impact so many lives! But church is not one-size-fits-all; it shouldn't be like a neighborhood where every house is the same.

Let's explore what this individual—and many others like him—are looking for:

1. Hymn Singing

While the trend leans toward contemporary worship experiences, that style isn't for everyone. Many appreciate the rich history of Christian worship.

I recently heard from a man looking for a new church home because he was tired of having his ears blown out by the rock band up front. When he approached leadership, they were unwilling to adjust the sound dial. Worship can happen in any style. Ephesians 5:19 gives us a good word regardless of our preference: "Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart."

If we feel like we need a drummer, a sound technician, and a lead guitar to have worship, we've missed the point. We can worship anywhere, anytime, making music in our hearts to the Lord. Sometimes I wonder if we are raising a generation that depends on big, flashy events to feel an encounter with God. Like Elijah on the mountain, many think God is only in the fire, the earthquake, and the rushing wind, when often He speaks in a still, small voice. Can we have a grateful heart without external manipulations?

2. Fire Preaching

As I get older, I look back on my early days as a 20-year-old seeking God. I despised fluffy, "feel-good" sermons full of jokes and stories that left me wondering, "What does the Bible actually say?"

Many hunger for the Word of God. We want to hear sin called sin and righteousness called righteousness. Our culture is drifting far from the truth, and we do no service to Christ by watering down the preaching to appease the world.

Look at those who stood for God’s Word: from Jeremiah the prophet with a fire in his bones, to John the Baptist speaking a message of repentance! He told the Pharisees: "The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire!" (Matthew 3:11).

Have we become too nice? Some seem to think being a Christian just means never hurting anyone's feelings or saying anything that sounds harsh. John the Baptist wasn't checking for listener sensitivity. He spoke the truth, and God's truth was in him like a fire. Let’s be careful not to try to please men. As Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 2:4: "...we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts."

Live for the audience of One. Preach your heart out for the salvation of a generation that is spiritually bankrupt. Make your voice count for Christ, and reach for those whose garments are already singed by the fires of hell. We are in need of a revival to restore the urgency of soul-winning.

3. A Small Church

A big church of 3,000 on Pentecost is great. But there is also beauty in small churches like those that met in homes in the early days of Christianity. Regardless of size, make the fellowship strong and love the people.

There is a helpful book called The Grasshopper Myth. The pastor who wrote it addressed the idea that too many small churches act like the ten spies who returned from the Promised Land, comparing themselves to giants. They felt inferior, even though the giants posed no threat because God was with them.

If you are a pastor or a member of a small church, don't look down on yourself. The mega-church poses no threat, and we are not in competition. God has a specific work made just for you and people who will feel right at home with you. Take up the shield of faith and walk on for the Lord Jesus. No matter what station of the army you are in, you are still in the army of the LORD. Occupy until He comes!

A Final Reminder
Big or small, contemporary or traditional—never apologize for desiring a church that stands flat-footed on the truth of God's Word. Keep singing, keep preaching with fire, and keep fighting the good fight right where God has placed you.