What I am going to share might not be popular, sexy, or politically correct; however I am going to say it anyway “It’s All About the Numbers.” Yes, I am referring to the number of people that attend our church and your church each and every weekend. The reason that “It’s All About the Numbers” is because behind each and every one of those numbers is a name. About six years ago my family and I were simply some numbers that walked through the doors of LifeChurch.tv and some years later we represent Scott, LaKendria, Wesley and Jayden who’s lives are continuing to be changed. Many of you have the exact same story or know someone with a story similar to mine; a number that walked through the doors of a church, which now represents a fully engaged partner of a church. Here are some stats to gnaw on:
- 195 million non-churched people in
America - Only
China, India and Indonesia have more lost people - Each year 3,500 to 4,000 churches close their doors forever
- Each year only 1,100 to 1,500 new churches are started
On the Swerve blog, Craig is posting a series titled the “Future of the Church.” In his post today (read it here) he discussed some of the changes churches made to be more “seeker sensitive.” Although we are making some progress, in my opinion of the nearly 400,000 churches in America, there is far too many that:
- Assume everyone is a believer when they come to church.
- Assume everyone knows the language, has a Bible, or even cares about Christ.
- Are more inward-focused.
Yes, some churches need to change the way they think; however it’s time for us to get off of our politically correct, lazy, comfortable, and scared to say the wrong thing behinds and bring people through our doors. Remember that every number represents a name!
When was the last time you invited someone to church? Is it all about the numbers? Share your thoughts!
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10 Comments Received
October 16th, 2007 @1:23 pm
Scott – The last time I invited someone to church was in 2004, if I remember it right. It was the last year I went to a church. For me personally, this is a fascinating topic. I’m very intrigued by the future of the church. What is the language of the church? Are you referring to “churchisms” or slang? To me, the language of the church is often the language of assumption. For smaller congregations and ministries, it is all about the numbers. Without the numbers to support them, they die. IMHO, as always.
October 16th, 2007 @4:37 pm
Scott, I want to challenge you a little today. There are 195 million un-churched people in America today because we keep wanting them to come to the building and integrate them into our culture as opposed to “living” in their culture and go to them.
To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. (1 Corinthians 9:20-22)
October 16th, 2007 @4:58 pm
Great question that we need to ask ourselves more often. At LC it’s easy to invite people. The initial draw might be the music, the relaxed dress, maybe even the donuts. It’s what keeps them there that is important.
My wife,Lori, is unbelievable at inviting people. This weekend we’re visiting the Phoenix campus and she has invited several friends to go with us. How cool is that? You can attend the same church 1,300 miles away and still invite people.
Act 16:5 – “So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in NUMBERS.” Sounds like we wouldn’t be the first to focus on numbers.
October 16th, 2007 @5:42 pm
Jimmy- 2004 is way to long
Scott- Mesa has a cool vibe, I like the outdoor pre-experience stuff. Tell Scott Rogers that I said, what’s up. Great point on Faith; however we can invite others and allow their Faith to grow as well. At the end of the we should tell people to “Come See!” John 4:28-29
October 16th, 2007 @7:50 pm
John D.- Thanks for the comment, I definitely feel you and I am considering your comment for Part 2 Tommorow!
October 16th, 2007 @9:06 pm
Scott-
You are right, any way you slice it, numbers seem to be what all of us as church leaders fall back on to determine failure of success, growth or not. I think many churches blindly fall into that category when yet a deeper issue lies that I know LC has addressed and that is measurables. Is “The Numbers” a viable measure of the overall health and wellness of a congregation? One could argue yes or no, but the bigger issue is lifechange as you stated you and your family are still under going. I am constantly amazed at how many churches fail to measure other areas of success, like life-change, salvation commitments, new attenders, small group attendance versus small groups numbers and so forth. These are often a much healthier way to measure success that just Sunday’s attendance, which at the end of the day…it remains about the numbers! Good thoughts!
October 16th, 2007 @9:37 pm
Many people don’t invite because they aren’t really plugged in themselves.
When you catch the vision of what God is doing at your church, you are more motivated to extend an invitation
October 17th, 2007 @2:41 am
Scott, enjoying the future of the church post and appreciate your thoughts here and I agree…one more thought…I heard Andy Stanley at Catalyst speak to the fact of inviting to church and he said we (I assume North Point) encourage our church to invest and invite…this truly spoke to me in that I need to intentionally and genuinely invest in the lives of others, love and live as Jesus did…simpy be real that they want to go with me…yes, encourage and invite as I continue to invest…good stuff and was a great word for me…I enjoy your blog and appreciate your heart Scott…
October 17th, 2007 @4:58 am
Craig said, “Environments don’t change lives. Christ changes lives.” – wow, so true.
IF we needed that kind of crap we’d be in trouble. We’re a church in a former bar/nightclub in the inner-city Detroit. The love of Christ IS the atmosphere for us – nothing postmodern, trendy,etc…
And in three years, we’ve never had a Sunday that someone didn’t accept Christ!
As Toby Mac sang: “IF Jesus is in the house, the house is packed” – HE is what we need!!
October 17th, 2007 @8:57 pm
David- Great thought, I used it today in my blog!
Steve- Thanks for the comment, “Invite & Invest” is good stuff, it sounds like a book title. Thanks for reading.
Chilly- Amen! It’s awesome that God is blessing you with people accepting Christ every weekend. “If Jesus is in the House, the house is packed!” One of the most moving moments that I have had during the launch of our campus was in a packed room at Incredible Pizza, a weak sound system, accoustic worship and standing room only of people excited about what God had planned for our campus. Nothing posmodern, trendy etc. Just Jesus!
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