Even though we as pastors say "It isn't about numbers.", it really is about numbers. If you have a vision like ours that we believe was given to us by God, to lead other people to a connection with Jesus Christ, then it is about numbers of people making that connection and us allowing God to speak through us in such moments. At the core of who Christ is shaping us into are people concerned about the eternal outcome of others. We do not want anyone to perish. Why? 2 Peter 3:9 says, "it is not God's desire that anybody should perish."
I think the balance and the key to remember is that the numbers of which we speak of shouldn't be "member" driven. If we are driven to UP the number of members, and then the temptation to push the gas for growth hits us, then it becomes our vision for ministry instead of God's. Jesus is no longer savior, but a means to a worldly end. This is why our vision directs us to care enough about other people and ourselves to not care whether someone joins our specific community, but that more importantly, that we care deeply that they become members of the same Kingdom through which Jesus is building.
So, if you are part of a church and during a time of worship you notice more empty seats than people, there is a good question to ask. "Who have I led to Jesus Christ this week? Is there anyone seated in the Kingdom because I shared good news with them? Am I truly passionate for the right numbers? Am I part of 'A' church or 'The Church'"?
Why do numbers matter a great deal to Hillside Community Church? Acts 2:21 says, "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." We believe it to be at the very core of a follower of Christ to desire to see others meet Jesus. Why? Because our lives have been changed by this one we call Jesus. This is more than attendance in a religious gathering. In fact, we don't believe attendance makes or keeps anyone "saved". High attendance in worship should be birthed primarily from a desire to worship God, not out of obligation to attend. Again, a church wants your attendance to improve. When it comes to "The Church", you can't attend something that you are.
Are you a member of a church? or... Are you a part of "THE CHURCH"? The latter involves life. The first has a long history of hurting people, slavery, and even starting wars.
