Measuring Church Growth

"How is your church doing?"  That is a question I am often asked and it is a great question.  I appreciate the concern of people.  However, I have been around long enough to know what they mean.  When the above question is asked they really mean, "How many people are attending your church now?"  Most people have more tact than to ask that directly.  The reason is, as churches go, your numbers may be up or down depending on the current circumstances.  They don't want to be embarrassed if you were to say, "Oh, thanks for asking....we are down to about three (3) people now."  In reality true growth is not completely dependent on numbers alone, although it cannot discount them either.

If we were measuring 2x4's we would use a tape measure.  If we were measuring earthquakes we would use a Richter scale.  But how does one go about truly measuring the growth and productivity of a church?  Obviously, numbers is the most visible way but it may not be the most important way.  As a pastor, I find it equally important to see if people are growing spiritually, emotionally, maritally (if applicable), in values, in contextual theology, in service, in gifting, etc.  There are many area's to increase our capacity.  It is not enough to hit numbers of people, if there is not significant change occurring within them. A properly growing (physical) body must do more than put on weight.  There has to be improvement in coordination, balance, mentality, etc.  

For instance, a few years ago there was a pastor in Oklahoma who gave away $10 bills to every guest on Easter Sunday.  The reason?  So he could have the biggest number of guests in his particular denomination!  While I am all about getting people through the door...even giving $10 bills if I had them...it would be superfluous for the pastor to give folks his Easter number as evidence of his regular attendance.  (A hazard for some ministers)  Some tout their membership as their official number or a designation of the health of their church.  Perhaps that is appropriate.  I am not the authority on it...just tossing our somethings for us to consider.  Talking about running a marathon and running one is two different things.  You can own tennis shoes, subscribe to 'Runners Weekly' but never jog a day in your life and read your weekly during your daily lunch at McDonalds.  See the point?  Following are some thoughts I had about real measurements of actual church growth.  (It is pouring rain and I am stuck in a coffee shop...so I had a few minutes to consider some potential measuring devices.)

1.  How many people last year, were personally involved in a season of prayer and fasting that God had called them to?

2.  Announce a potluck dinner one time and count the attendees.  Next month, announce an off-night prayer-meeting one time and count the attendees.  Perhaps the number that represents the difference between the two numbers could be a useful measuring device.  (The lower the number...the better the church!?!)

3.  How may people in your church actually give 1/10th (tithe) faithfully? 

4.  How many sermons are designed for "patching holes" (fixing problems within the church) compared to preaching that is designed to bring sinners to repentance (pure evangelism)?

5.  Give the number of altar services in a given year where people are inclined to remain in prayer although it may be time for the normal dismissal.

6.  How many people volunteered for service...(missions, cleaning, mowing, prep work, behind the scenes, bus ministry, etc)...without there being a pastoral 'push' for the need?

7.  How many were baptized last year?  How much was given to Mission projects?

8.  Maybe we should take the number of converts in a given year and 'not' count them until two more years have passed.  If they are still there, they count!  This would eliminate momentary, excitable, temporary numbers which mean nothing or almost nothing.  "Flash-in-the-pan" anything....people, leaders, institutions are, in my opinion, little impressive to God.

9.  Perhaps we could come up with a point system that looks like this:

*  Ten points for every community wide project.

*  Five points for willingness to open the pulpit to someone with a different theological perspective.

*  Five points for every Bible study night that has at least 75% of the members present.

*  Two points for each person who personally volunteers for service on their own.

*  One point for every service that breaks the former attendance record.

10.  How many people are preparing for ministry...including people taking music lessons, going to school to be teachers, mentors, volunteers in summer camps, looking to make an eternal difference by serving others.

While I certainly appreciate the numerical growth in my own assembly, I am interested in total growth.  Much of real growth, I contend, is invisible.  Sometimes you even add by subtracting!  In the medical field, bodies are saved everyday by surgery.  This is simply some food for thought.  I am sure you can think of other 'measurements' for real growth of a church.  Put 'em on the blog.  

So..."How is your church doing?"  Mine can certainly do better, but I am grateful for the growth that has occurred in the last 12 months!

Pastor Tim