I understand those who argue against the use of numbers in evaluating
a church’s health. We can get idolatrous of numbers, and numbers do not
fully illustrate the condition of a church. On the other hand, numbers
do matter.
One of my favorite writers is Charles Spurgeon, the famous 19th
century pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London. Spurgeon, who
emphasized the sovereignty and grace of God in saving non-believers –
and who warned against the danger of overemphasizing numbers – also
recognized the importance of church statistics. Read his words in his
lectures in The Soul Winner, and take note of why numbers matter:
I am not among those who decry statistics, nor do I consider that they are productive of all manner of evil; for they do much good if they are accurate, and if men use them lawfully. It is a good thing for people to see the nakedness of the land through statistics of decrease, that they may be driven on their knees before the Lord to seek prosperity; and, on the other hand, it is by no means an evil thing for workers to be encouraged by having some account of results set before them. I should be very sorry if the practice of adding up, and deducting, and giving in the net result were to be abandoned, for it must be right to know our numerical condition. It has been noticed that those who object to the process are often brethren whose unsatisfactory reports should somewhat humiliate them …. The fact is, you can reckon very correctly if the figures are honest, and if all circumstances are taken into consideration if there is no increase, you may calculate with considerable accuracy that there is not much being done; and if there is a clear decrease among a growing population, you may reckon that the prayers of the people and the preaching of the minister are not of the most powerful kind. Continue at Chuck Lawless
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