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I have written a paper outlining concerns I have with the statistics used by the author. The paper may be found at: www.fmcsb.org/Response_Paper_910_5.14.2007.pdf
Posted by: Mark Bates | May 23, 2007 at 06:37 PM
I have posted a response to Mark Bates' paper to point out math errors from his approach that distort his results. How you measure also promotes various different agendas to sort through. This paper is at:
http://www.fmnetwork.org/Files/Spiritual%20Agendas.doc
Let's find the right way to measure church growth so we can cause more of it to happen!
Posted by: David Bicksler | June 17, 2007 at 01:12 AM
I stand by my original paper, as the majority of concerns went unaddressed in the latest response.
Posted by: Mark Bates | June 19, 2007 at 03:39 AM
I would remind readers not to lose sight of our goal as Christians to make disciples. The Bible provides guidelines of how to accomplish this goal not a step-by-step playbook.
As a denomination, we have become overly focused on statistical analysis of church growth as an indicator of health. Statistics can indicate trends and may assist in directing our next steps, but should not be used as the sole indicator of growth/decline. Statistical proof of growth/decline does not equate to church health/illness.
We need to return our focus to the difficult task of reaching people for Jesus. We are commanded to love God and our neighbors as ourself. This does not seem to indicate that there is one methodology that works for all churches or individuals. How the mission is carried out depends on the situation.
To conclude, I offer a scenario for consideration:
A church comprised of people fulfilling the commandment to love God, self, and others continues to decline in numbers. The decline is clearly not due to uncommitted Christians. Do we close that facility because it doesn't meet the performance goals? If so, how long would we wait to see improvement? Would we wait?
There is more to church performance metrics than statistical analysis. The non-quantifiable factor is God's direction. We need to prayerfully consider how best to determine where God wants us to be as a denomination and quickly and willingly follow.
It's not about the numbers, but how well we follow God.
Posted by: Kristy Andresen | June 25, 2007 at 07:17 PM