So Why Are We So Much Into Numbers?
While reading Bryan L’s Observations About Local Churches, I couldn’t help asking, What are we so much into numbers?
According to the above-mentioned post:
So I’ve been checking out churches lately for about the last 3-6 months. I live in a big city so there are a lot of choices. I’ve been trying to stick with United Methodist Churches for the most part. However, sometimes I like to check out the nondenominational churches or growing churches that look like there is something going on there. (Emphasis mine)
Perhaps it’s the illusion that “there is something going on there.”
So a guy becomes a New York Times Bestseller. A megachurch pastor. A six-figure fellow.
Ah!
I, too, must confess that numbers tend to cast a spell on me. Why? It seems to a byproduct of the fall. But why? I really don’t know.
But I’m afraid numbers don’t really tell the true story, whether they be large or small.
while some focus on numbers to lead big churches, I think it is possible it is part of the pastors heart to see people in church and when numbers are down it can be hard to take thinking people don’t want to be in church or they don’t want to be in your church. Also, as Bryan noted, numbers provide the notion that perhaps something is going on there (presumbably the work of the Lord) – but I think too it gives a sense to the pastor that he or she is doing something right (whatever that may be) that is drawing people in. I know this isn’t right but it’s how many pastors feel. just some thoughts.
Brian, I agree that numbers do tell a story, whether the number is large or small, but we might be too caught up with numbers as a culture.
Yes, most pastors, whether male or female, are not immuned.
Actually I didn’t specifically have number in mind but rather a buzz and excitement around the churches. These are the types of churches that you keeping hearing their names pop in different contexts. They might be located in a high school gym or they may have a small building or a they may be huge megachurch.
However, if you are in ministry it is pretty much impossible to not be focused on numbers. In anything you do where people choose to follow or listen to you rather than someone else it’s impossible not to get caught up in numbers. It’s how we asses our value. Heck look how many bloggers get all anxious of the number of hits they receive. If they aren’t receiving hits then something must be wrong with their blog. It probably has something to do with our capitalists way of seeing the world which has seeped into the church. It’s kind of hard to break out of that mindset especially when everyone has it. Even if we make a conscious effort not to view things that way others will still view us in that way. And once we begin to have a little success in the numbers area we will slip back into that thinking even if we tell ourselves that numbers don’t matter.
Bryan L
“Growing” seems to trigger “numbers.”
Ah, the culture has ruined us with the fight for numbers (as evidenced by your reference to bloggers).
But “numbers and pastors” seem to go together. In fact, it requires a lot of discipline not to think about numbers. It has become second-natured.
I like Deuteronomy.
Jeff
Nice one, Jeff.