What does success look like for a church? How do we measure it? How can we know it’s been achieved? First answers may focus on externals such as the size of membership, the quantity and quality of programs offered, or the magnificence of church facilities. Following these we may suggest more substantive measures such as the number of conversions or the discipleship quality of those who attend.
It’s not that these things are illegitimate standards. To some degree they are a window into the effectiveness of a church’s ministry. The problem is scope. We gauge success based only on what is immediately visible and obvious.
Like an iceberg, much of the life of a spiritually healthy church is not immediately visible. The bulk of what believers do to proclaim the gospel and to serve others occurs through non-programmed channels. Throughout my ministry I’ve been delighted to learn about people doing these things “behind my back.” Not seeking my approval or waiting for a church program, but humbly serving in the name of Jesus. Though I want the various ministries of our church to do well, to a greater degree I want to measure success by how well these ministries translate into obedience under the surface.
