LifeServe: Big Opportunities for Small Churches

Just got back from LifeServe 2010, the greatest opportunity for equipping and externally-focused leaders to come together for training and networking. I attended LifeServe 2009 and received an excellent introduction to the basic principles of equipping ministry. From that, I read Sue Mallory's "The Equipping Church" and formed a study group to read through "The Equipping Church Guidebook." I took time to read other great books on equipping and missional churches. Our team came to the conference ready to receive a booster shot before digging deeper.
So, you can imagine my surprise when we started our first LifeServe session in a question-answer with Sue Mallory only to hear these words, "Put down the book." When I asked Sue Mallory how we could translate equipping ministry principles to the small church setting, she said, "Put down the book." She went on to explain that small churches have it easier when it comes to equipping ministry because we have the advantage of already being relational. I can see the different parts of equipping ministry flourishing within our church's external-focus on our community. However, we, like many churches, lack a bit of organization to maximize the impact and support of our incredible volunteers.
At LifeServe, our team made great connections and acquired many great resources. I think small churches are often shy about attending conferences like this. We are often shy about standing up and asking "What about us?" when church movements are on the move. With the majority of churches in America being small churches, it would seem as though we should command the conversations in church renewal. However, we don't. Is it shyness? Is it shame? Do we feel inadequate when we don't have a food court in our atriums? We practically invented the idea of small groups because many of our churches ARE small groups, and yet, we have not harnessed our power. Our God does great work with small groups. The Bible shows us that. Where are all the bold, small churches?
I will be seeking to build a network of small churches looking to work out of their strengths. So far, I have found Small Church Net (www.smallchurchnet.com). I know there are more voices out there. If you are one of those voices, comment here or come find me on Twitter (@PastorRobD).