So How Are Your Numbers Pastor?

1 Peter 1:15-16, "but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'"

As I have read and studied the bible over the years, I have yet to encounter a verse where God is concerned about the number of people who are in church. In fact, we do not know whether the church in Ephesus had 50 or 50,000 people. The same can be said for the churches in all the other areas where the gospel spread. In fact, the only place in the New Testament where an attendance figure is given is in Acts chapters 1-2 where we are told that the number of disciples who prayed for the Holy Spirit to come in an upper room after Jesus ascended to heaven was 120, and that when the Holy Spirit came and Peter preached at Pentacost about 3,000 were added to that number. Yet across the landscape of the visible church today, we speak of numbers probably more than anything else.

Many want to be a member or pastor of that next mega-church and find their picture on the cover of Christianity Today. To have people talking of how they have grown their church through creative methods and worship styles, or preaching that promises the world and teaches self improvement over the true gospel of Christ. In fact "growing" our churches is the number one concern for most pastors. Yet God does not speak of "church growth." God does not say that this style of worship or this method or this activity is the way to add to the numbers attending our churches. He does not mention coffee bars or video palaces for our youth. He does not concern Himself with where we go to church or the type of building. He does not mention "family life centers" or catchy slogans. He does however say, "Be holy, for I am holy."

You see, if we are going to view our churches through the eyes of God, He is far more concerned with holiness than impressive attendance figures. He would much rather have 25 holy people gathering to worship Him in "Spirit and truth" than 2,500 who live in carnality and follow the world instead of Him. Their is a way to "grow" a church that is not biblical, just as their is a way God will add to His church that is biblical. If a church looks more like a circus than a holy gathering, is it really God's way of adding to His church? So how do we distinguish between a church growing through the ways of the world, and God adding people to His church?

Acts 2:40-47 tells us exactly what God's church will look like. I will just cite some of the words used to describe the church that is described as God adding to it. V. 40-"Saved" from a "perverse generation." Meaning they have exhibited true change from their former, worldly lives by truly receiving Christ and His Holy Spirit. V.41-Receiving his(Peter's proclamation of God's)word. They recognized the truth of God's ways and turned from their own. V. 42-Continuing "steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship," in the Lord's Supper and "prayers." They followed the leaders God had anointed before them as they taught God's word and doctrine. They submitted to the ways of God. V.43-They feared God and God moved miraculously. V.44-They had "all things in common." Not that they agreed with each other all the time, but that they agreed with God and lived obediently to Him.

V.45-They gave to the poor and those in need from their own hearts and possessions. They exhibited true Christ like, agape love for each other and others. V.46-They practiced these things daily not just in the temple, in church, but in the community. V.47-God Himself added people to His church. Does this describe the church that we attend. If our church is growing in numbers of people is it because these things are going on? If God is not adding people to His church, is it not clear as to why?

Holiness is practiced in this church shown us in Acts. God Himself will add to a church that lives as He shows us. So where you go to church, is the focus on numbers and growing, or is it on holiness. As you read the bible, where do you believe He says our focus should be? Do you believe God will add true converts to a church that does not mirror His church in Acts? If we truly want God's church to see "growth," we'll focus more upon living a holy, self-sacrificial life than how many were in attendance last Sunday. Are we willing to do that? Methods are great. Creativity is needed. But holiness is the only way in which God will add to His church. "Be holy, for I am holy," and watch God add to His church.