I am a young adult and pretty much considered myself as a numbers person (since my undergrad degree is statistics). So, I am not as annoyed with the numbers as some people.

With that said, I also bring another perspective to the table… which is a first generation Chinese American in a non-Asian Episcopal Church who is active in Asian ministry, which is atypical of the Asians who are in Asian ministries.

Anyways… because I am a racial minority, I wouldn’t be able to be myself if I don’t make myself be heard in the church. After all, typical Asian American Episcopalians in my situation would just settle in but compromised themselves in the process, which is what I heard from a rector I respected. But, because I still wanted to get involved in Asian ministry despite my situation, the best way (based on her words and my intuitions) was to introduce the Chinese side of me in a non-invasive manner.

Meanwhile… my take on numbers… I think churches should be honest with their numbers, especially in terms of attendance. However, mentioning them too much would definitely cause the perception of being hard-sell or over-competitive. Personally, I think if the church is solid in all phases of ministry, there’s no need for numbers.

We seek to be different, better, more so that we can get noticed, but Christ wants us to behave as one. It’s a together thing! The Message says it well in Eph 4 “pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences. You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly”

I caught myself under real conviction a few months ago. We had a service to honor the ladies in our fellowship. Being the single guy in my thirties, I found myself wanting to be noticed, so what do I do. Instead of the black pants, I go for the TUX pants and the extra nice black tie. I felt so out of place, everyone looked the same. That night God laid a heavy word on me, “Just serve like I made you Allen and watch what happens when my church works like I intended.”

Should we be asking, “How can we be working as one?”

It gives me great joy to receive calls and e-mails from all around the country each of which is a former (disciple) each of which serve a churches of all sizes.

We as church leaders have bought into immediate gratification and numbers are sure signs we are reaching the world (woo hoo). I am convinced that true life change and commitment to Christ comes one on one. It is slow and not so gratifying at times but in time God’s Church is Mega. And we have been a tiny link in the chain.

Be Blessed

@Candyce – I’ve planted two churches and am a worship leader. Let me know if you ever just want to chat! I love talking to other worship leaders.