Subscribe to the NetworkGUEST POST: Numb3rs
I was never good with numbers. Math in High school for me consisted of naptime; which was caused the teacher waking me up by yelling my name. I once bought a lottery ticket – just to see what would happen. I lost by one number – each number I picked was one number off. I learned at a very early age that numbers were not my friends.
In this journey we call youth ministry, I’ve learned that numbers are not our friends either. Sure, we keep records of attendance; keep track of how many students showed up this week vs. last week, or last year at this time. Those are important. If you can’t track the fruit of your ministry, than maybe you don’t have any fruit; and if you don’t have any fruit, then you might be in danger. But that’s for another post.
But once we cross that very thin line and start to judge our ministry based on the amount of students are showing up; we’ve walked into a minefield. Sadly, I’ve walked into that minefield a few too many times. Walking through that ‘danger zone’ (.. Top Gun’s theme just popped in mind) has allowed me to learn a few lessons:
1. Focus on the Few. In John 6, he writes about Jesus feeding the 5,000. I can’t help but wonder – of those 5,000, how many just wanted a free meal? How many were caught up in the crowd and just “going with the flow?” And how many were there for the specific purpose of hearing God? It didn’t matter. All that mattered was the one boy that shared his lunch, gave and was used for God’s glory. It doesn’t matter how many you have coming out and why they are coming out. Once you can set your sights on those that are there to be used by God and for God – it makes it all worthwhile.
2. Bear your “Fruit.” Church Leadership will want to see your “fruit.” For them, the numbers are important. Keep a record of attendance. Use spreadsheets to keep track, make graphs, and show those above you where the ministry is at. Print, photocopy, email, hand out, share with the leadership where you’re at.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This has been hard for me. Pride, fear, doubts all set in. But once I took that step and just asked, I was surprised with the results. You might be surprised with who will say yes when you ask.
4. Plan for Growth. Ok, so you don’t have hundreds of students attending every week. Nor are they all perfect. But if you start to focus on the few, build them up and give them opportunity to serve – you will have growth. So why not start today and plan for that growth? Whether it is in location, volunteers or curriculum – plan.
Andy Disher is the Director of Student Ministries for a church in Ontario, Canada. He blogs as a 3-year youth ministry rookie at http://ymrookie.wordpress.com.
I disagree on a couple things that you said. I agree that if numbers is the only format that we judge our fruit, there is something wrong. I completely agree with that. But, I still think it is one form that we can see if our church is growing. Jesus claims in the Great Comission that we should go and make disciples. To me, that sounds like He is calling us to add to our numbers. Go and make disciples is a simple command, and God calls us to grow. With that in mind, I would think that our numerical growth would be a sign that our church is growing not simply numerically, but spiritually as well because we are taking on God’s comission. Just my thoughts.