Yes, a small-market NBA team can win a championship. Just ask anyone who’s been watching Oklahoma City. While it’s statistically less frequent—historically, small-market teams have captured only about 15% of NBA titles—the thunderous rise of a team like OKC reminds us that greatness isn’t limited by zip codes.

Sure, large markets boast the glitz: more revenue, massive arenas, big-name free agents, and splashy endorsement deals. But OKC has shown that a strong foundation, a commitment to developing young talent, and an unshakable culture can bridge the gap. When fans chant “MVP” for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they’re not just cheering a player—they’re recognizing a system built on chemistry, character, and quiet excellence.

And if you’re looking for that same kind of heart, hustle, and high-impact leadership, look no further than the small churches across our state—especially this summer.

In places where the churches are small in attendance, you’ll find MVP pastors who are leading their churches to do great things for God.   They will be gathering youth and children and taking them by the  van loads to summer camp, where seeds of the gospel are planted in hearts that will grow for a lifetime.

These small churches—often overlooked—are stepping onto the court this summer with boldness. Across the state, thousands of children will gather for Vacation Bible School, where the gospel will echo through laughter, crafts, and memory verses. Volunteers will pour their energy into games, snacks, skits, and songs, all so one child might discover the love of Jesus.

And the result? Baptisms by the hundreds. Lives changed. Families reached. Communities transformed.

So if you’re measuring ministry by market size, you might miss the championship story unfolding in small-town churches and church vans humming down the highway. These are the churches that know how to win with what they have—because what they have is enough when God is in it.

So here’s to the small churches. The underdogs. The multivocational pastors. The real MVPs of ministry. This summer, they’re not just showing up—they’re winning.