Conversations
October 1, 1996
The numbers game
Last issue's "From the Editor" column discussed why some pastors feel bad
about the size of their churches. That prompted a thoughtful letter from
a charter subscriber:
"Personally, I do not believe that I am my statistics. . . . Within the confines
of my home and church, I am accepted for being myself rather than for producing
a certain number of 'bodies, bucks, and buildings.'
"But that doesn't hold true when I venture outside my church. There is a
very real 'pecking order' in Christian circles, and it is not based on your
character, ability, or faithfulness. The pecking order is based on the size
of your church.
"The larger your church, the better chance you have to relocate to another
ministry . . . the better chance you'll be sought for consultation
. . . the better chance you'll be asked to speak at conferences and seminars
or serve on the boards and committees of Christian organizations.
"I choose not to judge myself on the basis of statistics, but when others
do it constantly, it becomes very wearing." The "next church"
Finally, the secular media are noticing a profound change in church life.
In the August issue of The Atlantic Monthly, Charles Trueheart writes
of "The Next Church," churches " 'intentional' about growing." (To read the
article: in America Online, use the key word "Atlantic"; on the web, go to
www.theAtlantic.com.)
In an interesting countertrend, several Leadership advisers have noticed
a move toward "classic" elements in worship: more doctrinal preaching, more
hymns, more liturgy. And at least one prominent seeker-oriented church is
switching Sunday morning from seeker evangelism back to Christian worship;
evangelism will be through events.
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