Go Into All

We tend to measure success with metrics that don’t and can’t tell the full story, as success is often an unseen, therefore unquantifiable, result. Were we to rely on numbers, we’d have to conclude that Jesus was a failure by the time he died; many people walked after hearing his demands of discipleship; the crowds dwindled to a small, and somewhat confused, group when he was arrested in Jerusalem. If we had measured his success at this point, using the metrics of numbers and finances, we have few options but to conclude he failed. And yet … Paul as well: 60 people in Colossae, maybe only 200 in Rome, etc. And yet ... God. 

History demands that we accept many churches were small, and still are – for a multitude of reasons, one of them being, God gives a measure of grace to his people, which means some simply have a greater capacity and giftedness than others. Comparatively few lead large churches, despite our best efforts to insist they can, providing conferences and teaching to (supposedly) increase their capacity. Whilst leaders (those who are gifted) will learn and grow in their gift, others end up frustrated, encountering feelings of failure that are no business of theirs. Some may see ‘success’ for a season, until someone ‘better’ arrives in the same city, or the pressures that crowds demand of them, wrecks their health and in some cases, their integrity.

What might be a better form of measurement, if we insist on such terms of reference? What matters, what endures? How does God count? Or how do I think God reckons? 

Most large and influential churches hit peak growth somewhere between 15 – 25 years, a few last a little longer.  While they grow, which is to be celebrated, they appear unstoppable – unless, by the folly of their leader/s. They are the poster-churches; what they say, and project happens, and they think this can go on ad-infinitum, as long as they keep projecting vision, employing leadership techniques they’ve found to be successful, etc. These are wonderful years and not to be minimized or have scorn poured on by the less (so-called) successful, or the ‘been there, done that’ crowd. 

But a day comes when despite them doing the same things that caused growth, it no longer works the same. Then they look for new means to stop regression and re-inspire forward momentum, but little changes. Church consultants are called in, not all of whom had large or successful churches, and new methodologies are brought into play.  But still … the graphs trend down. The exception to this is a next-generation issue – new life brings a new vitality and often a change in how things are done. 

But are we missing something in our myopic ‘growth equals health’ mindset? Is there something happening that is unseen but enormously important - reminiscence of the parable of kingdom growth happening unseen – like leaven. 

At the heart of any Kingdom initiative is Matthew 28: going, sending, and teaching obedience to the words of Jesus. So, when we look back on what God has done, we may be missing the most important factors: sending, influencing and bearing Kingdom fruit/results. And these don’t always comport with Western church ideals, nor are they able to be quantified or monetized – pity.

Success, especially for bigger and influential/flagship churches is not necessarily in continual growth and success. Success is found in how many were sent, how many added to the Kingdom of God’s expansion through discipleship, planting, influencing. This is all far beyond the reach or authority of said churches. In other words, it is out of their hands, but not out of their responsibility.

Over the years we have encountered numerous people who were with us in the early days (1980-90’s), people we didn’t even know, much less realize were with us for a few years. Since moving on (jobs, family, call, etc.) they have planted churches, joined teams, become staff members, started businesses, grown families, and most importantly have continued to faithfully serve Jesus wherever they are. We had influence over these people (or the Snr Pastor did), maybe, as is often the case, far more than we ever thought. We didn’t send them; how could we; we didn’t know them. But they are part of the remarkable unseen influence that God counts. 

God was always doing much more than we planned or devised. Still is. He is the cause of growth in the first place so the prerogative of the fruit of this is his business – not ours to claim.

Currently, we go to a church in Miami that is seeing amazing growth and health, led by two exceptional ministers. The growth is exponential, and people are joining from all over the US. Their influence is national. It’s a great church – filled with young people. (I’m in the minority.) 

A day will come, when the current rate of growth will slow. Is something wrong? Probably not. Do they need to do something differently? Probably not. Maybe someone younger will bring change and revitalization? Possibly. But not always. Big churches can dwindle, but God has accomplished much more through them than they will ever be aware of – as it should be. 

The pastors will have spent 30+ years – sending without knowing it, influencing without knowing who, and extending the rule of Christ without knowing where. 

The question for us all – is can we be satisfied that when Jesus said “I will build my church” he didn’t, and doesn’t, tell us all we did, where our fruit is, and who have we empowered to act in His name? We will and should always be surprised. 

Can we reconcile that a day will come when we aren’t seeing what we did in the halcyon years? We want facts and figures, growth and recognition – a quantification of our lives.  God builds his Kingdom, with us, through us, and despite us. One may plant, one may water BUT God gives the increase – not our programs or personalities, pragmatics or charisma.  

But we will have gone into all the world through the people we influenced, but never knew, or knew little of? In many cases we won’t ever fully know the fruit we have borne – God does, and that suffices. It is his church he is building.