The Smaller Congregation – Pathways in Challenging Times was originally created for the Alban Institute’s “Congregational Resource Guide,” at a time when many small congregations were feeling the impact of the nation’s financial crisis. The aim was to promote congregational vitality and illuminate options for decision-makers in smaller congregations as they faced common challenges. While new models are constantly emerging, this report continues to provide an overview of typical options and a framework for exploring different pathways. Read Smaller Congregation Challenging Times.