Spiritual Intensity

Mark Batterson post: Do You Love Numbers More Than Souls?

"David was overwhelmed with guilt because he had counted the people, replacing trust with statistics." I wonder if we're guilty of the same thing?

Can we have a heart to heart? I think the numbers game is one of the greatest stumbling blocks for pastors. I'm not saying that numbers aren't important because every soul is of infinite value. But when we measure the wrong things or measure the wrong way it reveals wrong motivations. The purest motivation for what we do is a love for Christ which translates into a love for souls. But let me ask an honest question that demands an honest answer: do you love numbers more than souls? Or to put it another way, is the love of souls your deepest desire and truest motivation for growth? Or is it your own ego? A little self-examination wouldn't hurt any of us!

It's easy to measure a congregation by its numbers--attendance and offerings. And, again, I'm not saying those things aren't important. But I don't think they are the truest measure of a church. Over the years I've learned to gauge spiritual intensity. Call it spiritual hunger. It's much harder to measure, but I think it's the best gauge. And it's that spiritual intensity that will lead toward growth because friends will invite friends. Why? They're excited about what God is doing in their life. They are seeking God. And when you seek God, seeking souls is one byproduct.

The real problem isn't counting numbers. The real problem is comparing numbers. When you start comparing it leads down one of two paths: pride or jealously. And either one will eat you alive!

Bottom line? May we care less about statistics and more about souls.