In churches where growth is not evident pastors and leaders often tend to avoid or deny the reality of the situation. When looking at the historical data of the church we should look for more than numbers alone. One pastor serving in a phase four declining church wrote to me following an initial consultation visit, “I was concerned about the numbers emphasis in relation to being too quantitative to what God was doing. Plus, how do we measure spiritual maturity of a church?”

It is true, numbers alone do not quantify church health. I consider numbers to be a bi-product of healthy church growth. Using the 1-5-4- principle (with a twist) we will see four areas of results in the church. 1 -There is but one driving force in the church – The Great Commission. Everything we do should be hinged on fulfilling the Great Commission. 5 – When we employ the five functions of the church (Evangelism, Discipleship, Fellowship, Ministry, & worship) while carrying out the Great Commission, we will see four areas of results. 4 – Spiritual Maturity, Ministry Expansion, Missions Awareness, and Numerical Growth. When you use the 1&5 as standard principles of all your ministry, the areas of results will follow, and I believe numerical growth is a bi-product of the other areas.

We reference numbers because they provide physical evidence. Numbers are tangible verification to your members, followers, and seekers that something is happening. Numbers are evidence of process and progress, or lack of it. If you have the Great Commission as your one and only driving force and the five principle functions are in place in your ministry endeavors, the numbers being produced have validity in the spiritual maturation of your people.

We must understand the spiritual maturity level of any person, group, or church is not something that will necessarily show significant increase in three to six months. Spiritual maturity is a lifelong process for believers. What I see as our objective as leaders is to undergird and build upon the foundation that currently exists in our followers. We must lead by example. One of our great, God-given natural learning abilities is imitation. The two greatest approaches to learning used by infants and preschoolers is through self-discovery and imitation. Most adults are not prone to learn through self-discovery as it requires venturing into the world of our fears. Adults will however, follow someone’s example as will children and youth. Lead by example and teach as you lead. This produces kingdom results kingdom multipliers.

Numbers are important to us when viewed in the proper mindset. They can be very valuable assisting us in assessing the health of our situation.For more information on assessing with numbers or the 1-5-4 principle contact SonC.A.R.E. Ministries. More information on Self-Discovery learning and imitation can be found in Teaching That Bears Fruit.