Noel wrote about biblical principles such as:

strategic discipleship

recognising and releasing members for wider and deeper ministry than small churches can effectively handle

homogeneity as a basic introductory principle of communication and engagement of unchurched people

risk-taking ventures that embody the creative faith that is honored in the parable of the talents

God-given vision

None of these relate to numbers for their own sake, and they are integral to the gospel and Christian maturity – unlike introduced factors such as wonder drugs like thalidomide.

Could I suggest you also examine the effects of

narcissism that puts churches of any size on the nose

blinkered efforts to transfer cultural baggage and jargon along with new concepts or methods.

understandings of leadership that spiritualise fear of change or loss of position

permission granters who run churches without ever being called to the accountability of formal leadership responsibility

Go to it and God bless

Noel

I responded:

Two comments on Noel’s wisdom:

(1) In our fallen world, we males (males in particular) measure our worth as pastors four ways: numbers of (a) people (b) money (c) programs (d)

buildings. Don’t believe me? Listen to conversations at pastors’ conferences. In my work with pastors I work through all this every week with pastors struggling with self-esteem issues …

(2) At a Paul Borden/Tom Bandy conference in Chicago the other week there was a strong comment made that larger/mega churches in particular are ‘on the nose’ when mentioned-in-despatches in theological seminaries… Interesting that…

Rowland Croucher May 2005