NUMBERS

I hear this question a lot: Are you all about the numbers? My response to the question is to ask if you mean, "are you all about reaching people for Christ" then the answer is YES (and we'll never apologize for that), because every number represents a person that Jesus died for and a life that Jesus can change for His honor and glory.

Most churches and pastors that I know, and know of, believe this and live this. You may ask, are the numbers of people connecting with our church a barometer of progress? I believe they are. The BIG QUESTION really should be: Is the mission God has given us is being accomplished? What is the mission? LOVE…GROW…SERVE…GO!

Here are some more questions regarding numbers that we ask: Who is taking their next step to become a fully-devoted-follower of Jesus Christ? What steps are they taking? Are people connecting in community? Are people serving and using their gifts? Is there a spirit of love and unity in our fellowship? Are marriages growing and being strengthened? Are families thriving? Are friendships being created? Are we taking the message of Jesus into our world and helping others go with the Message of Christ to places we can’t go? These are just some of the "numbers" questions that we ask.

Make no mistake, "numbers" are definitely a way that we determine whether or not we are living out the vision that God has called us to. Numbers represent life-change, they represent connection, they represent involvement, they represent growth spiritually, relationally, and numerically. God has commissioned us to go into the world and make disciples; that means we are to reach people with His love and for His glory.

The bottom line is PEOPLE MATTER. They matter to God and they matter to us at Crossroads.

Have a great week.

Ken