This brings up another post that I want to write about – attractional ministry vs. missional ministry. If all we are doing is drawing in consumers and not contributors, then that will make a very dysfunctional church and will eat up many resources. If we are not making disciples (and as Andrew stated is difficult to quantify) then what’s the point? People can be entertained at a concert or movie.

My deal is that I would rather have 12 committed disciples than 1200 people who are just coming for a show, free Starbucks, and a love connection.

Numbers are healthy when there is NOT having a focus on big crowds for building one’s ego or by transfer growth because your band uses flamethrowers in the service. If thousands of people are flocking to a church because there is solid Bible preaching, lives are being transformed, believers are being discipled, and they are going into the world on mission, then that would be a healthy church and be impressive.

Thanks for the comment and the input. Your point is well taken!

James

If a decision we are going to make looks like it will end up creating an audience vs creating participants we throw it out. We have discovered that we can create huge numbers very quickly if we want to. Others have.

I like numbers. I like audiences. But I don’t measure the audience or strive to create them, tempting as that might be.

Decisions can take place in an audience, but transformation happens in the mess. That’s why our focus and time is mainly spent there.

Steven,

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