“Do numbers matter?” People regularly ask why large churches are so “into numbers.” While I can’t speak for all churches, I can speak for Northgate and I’ll tell you why we’re “into numbers.”

We’re “into numbers” because behind every number there’s a name, a story, an eternal destiny! Behind every number there’s a person that God created, loves, and sent His Son to die for!

We care about numbers because if we go for three years and no one is saved as a result of our church then we’re not accomplishing our mission of “Bringing people to Jesus and building them up in that relationship” and therefore something MUST change!

We care about numbers because if we go for three years and no new discipleship connections (e.g. groups) are established then we are not accomplishing our mission and that means something MUST change!

I contend that it is irresponsible to not be “into numbers.” There are two ways to measure effectiveness: quantitatively (numbers) and qualitatively (stories). In my opinion the best way to measure ministry effectiveness is to have LOTS (quantitative) of stories (qualitative) about life change! If we aren’t tracking numbers then all we can rely on is “hearsay” or “hope so” and that’s not good enough when it comes to issues of eternal destiny!

The more people we “Bring to Jesus” the more people we save from Hell. The more people we “Build in this new relationship” the more marriages are saved; the more addicts are freed; the more people are freed from financial chaos;  the more people get to enjoy God and enage in purpose-driven living!

OK, there’s my take on it, but today I read a post that says it WAY better than I could! (click here to read the post)!

Click here to read my previous post on numbers.