Great post Phil. Love how you emphasize that "how" we go about providing a faithful witness is more important than any metric.
In an era of increasing decentralization, quantitative metrics are something that I just don't think are as relevant as they once were. With this draw to decentralization in society as a whole, people naturally gravitate towards "their tribe" (whether that be ideology, theology, causes etc.) and if the ways that used to bring society together are failing, instead of turning to God people turn to the remnant scraps of what brings them comfort.
If there are people in church that are drifting away for these aforementioned reasons, a lot of energy and time can be expended for very little yield. So instead, focus on those that reject the pull of tribalism and embrace those few that are drawn to the centrality of God and the ways he can pull in all of humanity, no matter the tribe! Qualitatively nurture those that aspire to become an alternative to culture rather than those that reflect it. But almost by definition if you are an alternative to culture you will be in the minority (and that is ok!). Know that God always uses remnants in powerful ways.
Great post Phil. Love how you emphasize that "how" we go about providing a faithful witness is more important than any metric.
In an era of increasing decentralization, quantitative metrics are something that I just don't think are as relevant as they once were. With this draw to decentralization in society as a whole, people naturally gravitate towards "their tribe" (whether that be ideology, theology, causes etc.) and if the ways that used to bring society together are failing, instead of turning to God people turn to the remnant scraps of what brings them comfort.
If there are people in church that are drifting away for these aforementioned reasons, a lot of energy and time can be expended for very little yield. So instead, focus on those that reject the pull of tribalism and embrace those few that are drawn to the centrality of God and the ways he can pull in all of humanity, no matter the tribe! Qualitatively nurture those that aspire to become an alternative to culture rather than those that reflect it. But almost by definition if you are an alternative to culture you will be in the minority (and that is ok!). Know that God always uses remnants in powerful ways.