One of the great joys of my week will be praying for each of you. Some will be prayed for more specifically than others, but I’ll lift all of you up in general each day, a couple of times a day. Several weeks before joining you here, Natalie and I combed through your phone and church address directory each day, praying for everyone. Our task and calling as a local church is a great and serious one. You and I must pray for one another if we’re to see any amount of success for the Kingdom. I know “success” is a hazy word in the Christian community, but let’s face it: we are either effectively reaching people or we are not. “In between” doesn’t count when it comes to making disciples.
Before I was in full-time ministry, I worked for a large advertising agency. Michelin North America is located in Greenville, SC, and it was one of my primary accounts. The fun part was getting to choose the babies for their television and print ads, but overall, it was a results-oriented business. Numbers were important, and no one apologized for this. There was some pressure, but everyone understood the focus was necessary in order to meet goals on every level. If numbers were not met, someone wanted to know why. There was high accountability, and it was a good thing.
When I entered the world of the Church, I found that there was little accountability. Even though we had to report numbers, there was an aversion to discussing them much. I heard things like, “If we help just one, we’re doing well,” and “God doesn’t care about numbers,” and “We’re like a family here,” and “Wherever two or more are gathered…” Now, there is nothing inherently wrong with any of these statements. As a matter of fact, they are all true. But if we are honest, those statements are usually made to justify disorganization, inattention to detail, poor planning, and decline.
Numbers matter. Barna Research recently released a study that shows there are more than 65 million unchurched people in the United States. (When you add children, the number is closer to 100 million.) Out of those 65 million, they found that 35% are open to having conversations about Jesus if someone would just bring it up—that’s 23 million people. So, I believe numbers matter—all 65 million of them.
Church leaders, both lay and clergy, must find ways to attract the unchurched and make disciples. You have invited me here to not only care for the current flock but also to achieve growth for the Kingdom. If that is not being done, someone needs to ask, “Why?” Watch local and world news. It’s tough out there, and the Church is the only answer. We’re behind the eight ball. Excuses are barriers to disciple-making.
We must lead and teach those already reached to begin reaching out to those who are unsure about how Christ and the Church can affect their lives. We’re in a situation where face-to-face and hand-to-hand contact are the only ways to increase church attendance. But neither you nor I can do it alone. Team development is crucial, no matter the size of the church. We must plan our work and work our plan. Joel 2:28 says this: “…I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old will dream dreams, your young will see visions.” In the next few weeks, I’ll be developing what’s called a Joel Committee that will help us make disciples for the transformation of Metro Atlanta and the world. I’ll meet with them each month for a time of prayer and brainstorming. They will explore ideas for outreach and planning, as well as how to implement them.
Why? We are losing those ages 18–45 in the Church, and it is a hemorrhaging, not a slow bleed. There are literally thousands within a few miles of Grace Resurrection who are unchurched, lost, and desperate for the life-giving power of Jesus Christ. They make up the numbers… and they matter.
I wish I had words to describe how excited Natalie and I are to be a part of this family. There will be rapid growth, and God will expand our territory! Our only assignment is to trust, pray, proclaim, and give.
Are you with me?
Remember that I love you~
James