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I am heart broken this morning. I’m finishing the last chapter in a book I’m writing and I’m talking about a concept that has led me literally to tears. I don’t know how we got to this point. I’m frustrated, bewildered…and, even angry. I’m going to be recklessly honest in this blog.
If you have pressure to get numbers of people to come to an event or baptized, leave the church your in. I’m not kidding. I’m dead serious. Leave. You’ll never be able to accomplish what you need to in that context. Discipleship is far beyond program and counting warm seats after a church service.
Man, how did we get to the point of actually “counting” people who come? How did we get to the point of the number of people coming deeming us successful or not successful? Or worse yet, how did we come to the point of having to turn in a numbers report to our superior!!!!! This, to me, is absolutely heart breaking. American thinking, not Christ-like.
Many people might say, “Well if we’re healthy we’ll grow numerically.” I don’t completely disagree with that, but I think in American churches we’re FAR more concerned about numerical attendance than we are about being healthy.
Did you know that most scholars say that the church at Thessalonica was only about 50 people! Look at what Paul says about that church in chapter one, it’s amazing what he says about their faith. From an American perspective we wouldn’t give this church the time of day!
If we are to engage and assimilate college-age people into the life of our churches we must focus on them as individuals. They aren’t a number nor are they a potential “giving unit” for our church! Putting them individually as priority is absolutely crucial. If you spend time with people and they never come to an event, it’s alright. You’re not failing. If you have a few students over for dinner every week, trust me, you’re being faithful. You don’t need to do more.
How’s that for venting!? I need to go for a walk and pray.
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man I understand that….im in youth ministry but it is so frustrating to me that many in the church have this expectation that if you have not grown the group (or the group even decreases) and you dont have tons of baptisms occurring that you are a failure…
Right on brother!
I’m looking forward to read your book.