Episode 17: With Special Guest Joni Topper

Some interesting data about small churches: According to Churchtrac – The State of Church Attendance: Trends and Statistics (2024) Now 2 in 3 churches are at less than 100 in attendance and nearly 1 in 3 churches below 50. 68% of churches have congregations of fewer than 100 people including 31% who have fewer than 50 (Lifeway Research) That is why I wrote The Power of a Well-Placed Yes: God’s Abundant Faithfulness in a Small Church. I have been a pastor’s wife in a small church in Johnson City, Texas for twenty-eight years. For years I wrote down stories of God’s faithfulness so that I would not forget the stories. As I looked back on them, I noticed a pattern. Many of the acts of obedience people offered were in small things. It was God who took those acts of obedience, those Yeses, and did something big with them. I realized that our job is to be faithful followers, God takes responsibility for the outcome of those situations that we thought were no big deal. In his hands, they become significant. Many church workers are exhausted, discouraged and feel like their contributions don’t amount to much. This book is intended to encourage them, ignite their joy in serving and rejuvenate their passion for the Lord. This week on Shine With Curiosity and Encouragement Podcast we have a special guest Joni Topper Author of the book The Power of a Well-Placed Yes: God’s Abundant Faithfulness in a Small Church. She has been a pastor’s wife in a small church in Johnson City, Texas for twenty-eight years. For years she wrote down stories of God’s faithfulness so that she would not forget the stories. As she looked back on them, she noticed a pattern. Many of the acts of obedience people offered were in small things. It was God who took those acts of obedience, those Yeses, and did something big with them. she realized that our job is to be faithful followers, God takes responsibility for the outcome of those situations that we thought were no big deal. In his hands, they become significant. Many church workers are exhausted, discouraged and feel like their contributions don’t amount to much. This book is intended to encourage them, ignite their joy in serving and rejuvenate their passion for the Lord. Soul Sonshine, LLC Curiosity and Encouragement PET series Books Author Susan Louise Gabriel #authorsoffacebook #podcastshow #podcasts