Evaluating Church
Each week I have the privilege of teaching a Bible study to a group of amazing young adults and college students. During a recent teaching time, I asked my students: "What makes a church successful in 21st-century America?" Their responses were typical: A large crowd, enough money, plenty of programs, excitement, and energy. I then posed a second question: "What makes a business successful in 21st-century America?" They paused momentarily and then replied, "The same things." I know churches need a sound organizational structure to operate well. I also know many sound business principles can be applied to the church setting. I know God cares about people, and numbers represent people. I know that churches need money to do ministry. I also know that we should hold these measurements loosely. We can have plenty of money and people and still miss out on God's plan for His Church. We can also have no money and few people and be in the center of God'...