New Measurement Of Growth For Ministry

In the description of David’s army in 1 Chronicles 12, we read of the sons of Issachar who were “men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do.”

That is a perspective – understanding the times and knowing what we should do in those times.

My view of the Church was shaped not only from my theological view but my experiences within the church.

Because I have a rather conservative theological view-point, it is safe to say that the Church is made up of believers and God is the head of the Church. (Ephesians)

It is also safe to say that I lived out my theological viewpoint within a western local church understanding. I served as a pastor for 13 years.

• I love the local church.
• I loved being a pastor
• I love working with other pastors

However there was discontent in my heart. I couldn’t place my finger on it and it took me stepping away from the pastorate to fully understand it.

But I realized my experience was not matching my theological understanding of the church.

• I found myself very programmed
• I was caught up in the politics
• I was into everything except for moving the mission of Christ forward
• My ministry had become about me instead of Christ

I don’t blame the local church for any of this. It was my own sin.

I failed to realize my responsibility as a leader was to help people match their theological view to their experiences.

Instead…I lived and died to align the church to fulfill the vision and mission that God gave the senior pastor. It is hard to comprehend how dedicated I was to that task.

In reality what I should had been doing is helping people live out what they said they believed.

Once this became clear in my mind, everything changed.

Being a system guy and designer of ministries, I was always judged on one thing. Did you grow the church. Which is ok when you receive compensation for the ministry you do.

However, now that I receive zero funds from any church or organization, I can freely say that this measurement is a bit off kilter. I have nothing against growth. My own mission is to develop disciples that make disciples so that we can reach 2.1 million people in Houston. So, I am not afraid of systems and or growth.

However…

• My measurement has changed somewhat
• The way I look at growth has changed somewhat
• The way I view the Church has changed drastically

So now instead of Butts, Budget, and Buildings I measure things much differently.

We all know the saying…Your system is perfectly designed to give you the results you are getting.

So if you are not happy with the results you are getting, then here is a new measurement you can use for growth in your ministry.

Judge your system by the results it produces:

• Does your system produce relationships or structures?
• Does it produce transformation or transactions?
• Does it reflect transcendence (does it take people beyond where they are) or relevance (does it keep people in the same lifestyle and  place)?
• Does it emphasize and reward character or abilities?
• Is it identified by spiritual or natural things?
• Does it produce fruit or works?

Spiritual Breakthrough

Get the first ten pages to my new book, "How To Obtain A Spiritual Breakthrough"

We hate spam just as much as you