You can't blog AND close your comments!

Just read through a blog by Perry Noble. I usually agree with what he says but this one disturbed me. Here's the quote that got me:

"…it’s stupid and meaningless and the ONLY churches that say number do not matter are the ones with no numbers.

AND…I find it funny that the same churches that say they do not count their people because numbers do not matter WILL count their offerings. WOW–I guess in those cases money matters more than people. Come on now–if numbers do not matter then stop counting the offering!!!

The reason I am so passionate about this is, well, first of all, I have a biblical view of how God designed the church to grow and reach the world for Him. The more people we reach–the fewer people that go to hell! And GOD HELP the church that just wants to be small and comfortable and, in so doing, neglects sharing the Gospel with those who are bound for hell!!!"

Yes, it's awesome the amount of people that have been baptised at his church but is that really a good number to be proud of? Baptism is a beginning not an end. If a life change hasn't happened it is a dead end! Count the people truly changing there lives and attempting to BE THE CHURCH to their community not be A CHURCH in their community. When we say numbers don't matter we mean it. Everyone is not going to be pumped about our straight forward message. We need ALL churches to group together to make a change.

If people hear our mission and go to another church, super.

If they hear our mission and get it but never come back, instead starting a series of home churches in their neighborhood, great!

If they hear our mission and jump in and partner with us, don't get us wrong, that would be totally awesome.

And if these same people feel called to move on and start a new church or attempt to jump start an existing church, we've accomplished our task with them.

"New" people, lost people, seekers, searchers, whatever word you use, if they came to church, they are looking for something and will see right away if numbers are the bottom line or if truly changing your city is the plan. Spreading the Gospel is one thing, I can do that with a Bible and a street corner, but teaching people what to do with their salvation and better yet, what Jesus wants them to do with his gift is the true mission.

About not counting the offerings, well that's just stupid.

Read the whole post here