It’s
Not About Numbers
“I have given you authority
to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy;
nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you,
but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
– Luke 10:19-20
He is a man of faith. I don’t doubt that at all. He
and his wife are helpers, people who try to live their faith in Jesus by
reaching out to anyone in need. They are good people.
I remembered that as he bragged about the attendance
numbers at his current church. He spoke about the concert-like style of
worship. He told about the charisma and sound teaching of the pastor. His church
is the current “in” church in our community. The growth is staggering. It could
even be depressing to others if all anyone valued were the attendance numbers.
Priscilla Shirer once said that it doesn’t matter how
many come to church. What matters is how many are transformed by having been
there. There is a truth in that.
A few years ago there was another “in” church in our
town. There, too, the growth was staggering. The church went from one service
to three in what seemed like record time. They built a new building. They
fanned out in the community. They were riding a high that was destined to end.
One day the pastor got sick and had to relinquish his
post. People started to leave. Church wasn’t as much fun anymore. Jesus
remained the same but it was never really about Him. It was about entertainment
and feeling good, about being lifted up rather than hearing truth.
Then there was a bit of a disagreement over money. Isn’t
that always the case? Someone decided someone else needed money, then went against
church elders to make it happen. The person giving away the money didn’t
benefit but that wasn’t the point. If the money belongs to everyone, shouldn’t
everyone have a say in how it’s used? And, by the way, where is God in all this
mess?
I nodded and let the man standing before me brag about
his church. I didn’t ask him how many of those in attendance really know Jesus.
I didn’t ask him how many would come if the pastor left, if the band turned
down the volume. A sweet friend recently started attending the church because
it’s where her teenager wants to go. Why? That’s where all his friends go. It’s
a social thing, you know.
My own church is not small. It boasts four services
and many activities for children and adults. We don’t worry too much about
numbers. Growth that is steady means we are reaching out to the lost, mentoring
the new believers, ministering to those who are hurting and in need.
We are a family, this church and I. There is always
something going on. There is always someone to laugh with and someone to cry
with. It is a church with hands and feet for everyone, not just a select few
who write the big checks or who demand attention. It is a church with an
emphasis on teaching, mentoring. Small groups are filled with those seeking to
know God better.
I wish this man’s church well. I do. I want God’s
kingdom to grow and multiply. I want His Spirit to fill up every person on this
earth.
But it’s not about numbers. It’s never been about
that. It’s always been about Jesus Christ and what He did for us so that we
might live. It’s about a God who loved us all so much that He sacrificed His
Son on a cross. And it’s about a Spirit that lives inside of us, guiding us and
filling us with light. Get that right and trust God with everything else.
