Numbers
I rarely refer to or publish numbers like giving or attendance. I think numbers tend to create an unhealthy focus. The longer I lead the more I realize that we plant and water, but God gives the increase. I think we need to focus more on means than ends. We need to worry more about inputs than outcomes. And honestly, I think numbers in church circles tend to produce one of two emotions: pride or jealousy. Besides that, every church is planted in unique soil that yields a different size crop at different rates. So comparing church is like comparing apples and oranges.
So I try not to talk about numbers. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't think about numbers. I think that is part of stewardship and strategy. I know our exact attendance and giving for the past eight years. And that helps me track what God is doing at NCC. They are two very important barometers.
With that as a backdrop, just wanted to share a win. I wasn't sure what to expect on our launch Sunday, but we had our second highest attendance of the year behind Easter. We also had our fifth highest offering. But the thing that surprised me the most and blessed me the most is that our attendance at our other locations was larger than the previous week! In fact, we had a 39% increase in attendance at Union Station over last week.
That tells me this: our Georgetown launch isn't just recycled NCCers. Don't get me wrong. We need a launch team. There is no way we could launch a location without a launch team. But our objective is reaching the unchurched and dechurched. Based on numbers and conversations, I think we did that this past weekend.
Continuing to process the launch and praise God.
So I try not to talk about numbers. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't think about numbers. I think that is part of stewardship and strategy. I know our exact attendance and giving for the past eight years. And that helps me track what God is doing at NCC. They are two very important barometers.
With that as a backdrop, just wanted to share a win. I wasn't sure what to expect on our launch Sunday, but we had our second highest attendance of the year behind Easter. We also had our fifth highest offering. But the thing that surprised me the most and blessed me the most is that our attendance at our other locations was larger than the previous week! In fact, we had a 39% increase in attendance at Union Station over last week.
That tells me this: our Georgetown launch isn't just recycled NCCers. Don't get me wrong. We need a launch team. There is no way we could launch a location without a launch team. But our objective is reaching the unchurched and dechurched. Based on numbers and conversations, I think we did that this past weekend.
Continuing to process the launch and praise God.
6 Comments:
That is awesome PM! I am so excited to hear that things went so well with the launch. I may not be physically present at NCC each week anymore but I certainly consider you all my extended family and continue to pray for increase- financially, in numbers, in influence, in vision and passion and in the knowledge of the grace and mercy of God. Love from an NCCer in Nashville ;)
Amen!. Excelent the way that you keep your information for the last 8 years. We are praying for your ministry. From Peru South America.
Yeah, God!
That's AWESOME!!! Continuing to pray for you as you "Go"...(Just watched that sermon today...it was GREAT!). Thanks so much for being obedient to God's call on your life, and inspiring others as you do! Have a great week!
Great post!
Awesome!
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