A few weeks ago after Sunday worship, I was drinking coffee with parishioners at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Salisbury, North Carolina.
We were talking about how happy they are with how things are going in the congregation.
They mentioned how easily they laugh and socialize together. They talked about their deepening theology, how they are being challenged to think about their relationship with God in new ways.
They mentioned how many of them are designated lay ministers of some kind -- they read and assist during Eucharist; they officiate at morning prayer; they bring communion and visit with those who cannot make it to church.
We spoke at length about a beloved parishioner who had recently died after a grueling illness. Nearly everyone from the congregation had helped provide care for him and his wife, with visits, meals, prayers and gifts. At the funeral and after, they were present and prayerful with his grieving family, giving extraordinary care both to them and to each other.
By almost any measure, St. Paul's is an exceptional and flourishing congregation.
Except one: size.
The total membership of St. Paul's is about 30, though they have seen a solid 10 percent growth over the past two years. Three new members have become very active during that time. One is now in the choir, and another is on the vestry. St. Paul's is a congregation of modest size and modest means, yet they are thriving spiritually.
