About Numbers

So, how important are numbers in grading a church's effectiveness? IMO, I don't put much stock in numbers; at least not at NHC. Our goal is to create a movement conducive to the production of Christ followers who are deeply dedicated to their journey and their discipleship to Him. However, numbers are a part of the component. Because numbers reflect people (souls), that are becoming part of this movement and simultaneously- fulfilling the goal.

I just finished reading Tribes by Seth Godin. On page 25, Godin says that a leader can help increase the effectiveness of his tribe by:

• transforming the shared interest into a passionate goal and desire for change;
• providing tools to allow members to tighten their communications; and
• leveraging the tribe to allow it to grow and gain new members.

He follows this list by stating, "Most leaders focus only on the third tactic. A bigger tribe somehow equals a better tribe. In fact, the first two tactics almost always lead to more impact... The American Automobile Association has millions of members, but it arguably has far less impact on the world than do the two thousand people who go to the TED conference each year."

I think that pretty much says it all. While attracting new members and producing larger numbers is a component of what an effective movement does; it is certainly not the most important component; nor is it ever a good measuring stick for effectiveness.