How many people are in your church? How many conversions have you seen? What are your finances like? How many baptisms, small groups,staff members, church plants? How long have you been a pastor?
One way or another, we often find ourselves talking numbers. We often do so nervously because we see the pitfalls and dangers but numbers and measurement come with benefits too.
One reason for our nervousness is the question about whether or not it is spiritual and Biblical to count. David of course got into a lot of trouble when he took a census of the people. Some people will quote this as evidence for why it is wrong for us to be concerned about numbers. However, on the other side of the coin, we see Moses instructed to take such a census and a whole book of the Bible arises out of that numbering. Meanwhile, the Gospels and Acts are full of numbers, the 12 apostles, 72 disciples sent out on mission, 5000 men fed, 3000 added to the church at Pentecost and so on.
The Good
Numbers tell stories. They help us to prioritise, to make decisions, to know how effective those decisions and actions have been. At a basic level, you want to know how many people are coming regularly in order to put enough chairs out and have the right ratio of workers to children for your groups. Numbers may help tell you whether you should be adding staff, increasing the eldership, starting a new small group or church planting.
If numbers tell stories, then (a bit like illustrations for the Trinity) it’s either better to have lots of different numbers or none at all than just one measure. What do I mean by this?
Well, if someone were to ask you how many people were in your church, you could give a variety of answers. There are those who see themselves as part of the church and will be there at different times throughout the year but are irregular attendees. There are those who attend regularly (at least once every 2-3 weeks), then there are those who have processed faith, those who belong as members and those actively involved. You have adults and children too. Each of those numbers matter if you want to build a picture of what the church looks like
The bad
Numbers can be a hindrance. Here are a few issues.
- We can lose our joy in the present moment because we are thinking about what it was like previously or what we hoped/project for the future.
- We can compare ourselves to others.
- It can become a legalistic burden. I remember at one point realising that I was feeling the pressure concerning targets not being met. Then I remembered that I was the one who had put those targets on myself.
The ugly
At its worst, a concern about numbers exposed our own sinful hearts highlighting pride, envy and a lack of trust in God.
A couple of considerations may help at this point.
- Ask why the number matters. What will you do with the information.
- Check your heart. Are you tempted towards envy, comparison and competition.
- Be thankful when you see others doing well. Place numbers in the service of God’s kingdom.
Finally it is important to find rest and contentment. Jesus is not judging you by your weekly stats. So relax and rest in him.
Faithroots 