The Gift of Small

Too often, our imagination for what counts as success is more formed by capitalism than by the kingdom of God. In The Gift of Small, Allen Stanton offers a corrective, shifting our focus away from the distractions of average Sunday attendance to the making of disciples within context-specific missions. Stanton not only encourages smaller congregations–he celebrates them. Every word of this book is rooted in deep love of small congregations and the members that make them up. This book will help pastors, denominational leaders, and congregants grow in appreciation for the particular ways that they grow in shared spiritual life and share the gospel, both within their congregation and into the communities beyond. –Dr. Kate Rae Davis, executive director, Center for Transforming Engagement at The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, and executive editor, Christ & Cascadia

Allen Stanton illuminates the many gifts and abilities of small-membership congregations. He identifies leadership practices and key roles for clergy and laity who desire to see the small church exhibit health and vitality. Stanton calls us to see the small church as a community in which transforming discipleship can happen. –Bishop Tom Berlin, Florida Conference, United Methodist Church,and author of The Third Day and Reckless Love

A strong sense of vocation is fundamental to a well-lived life. In this important work, Allen Stanton clearly demonstrates the ways in which personal and congregational vocation are uniquely interwoven in the small church and made manifest in the local community. –Rev. Phillip Blackburn, director, Thriving in Rural Ministry, University of the Ozarks

Allen Stanton offers an impressive, refreshing, and uniquely multidisciplinary account. Drawing widely from theology, economics, sociology, political science, and ethics, Stanton fiercely advocates for small-membership congregations. The Gift of Small is essential reading for those leading and serving in and alongside small-membership congregations. –Laceye C. Warner, Royce and Jane Reynolds Professor of the Practice of Evangelism and Methodist Studies, and associate dean for Wesleyan Engagement, Duke University Divinity School

Allen T. Stanton is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, advocating for and supporting small congregations, rural churches, and rural communities. In his full-time role, Stanton works at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, managing a $53 million initiative to expand access to dental care in Tennessee. Additionally, he is a consulting fellow with the University of the Ozarks’ Rural Ministry Initiative. Stanton is the author of Reclaiming Rural: Building Thriving Rural Communities, which was named a Top 10 Book of the Year by the Academy for Parish Clergy. He lives in Memphis with his wife, Abby, and two daughters.