SEC RETARIAT
For the Record Books By Elden Ramirez
What’s the fuss between numbers and spirituality? Sometimes there is this contention that counting numbers of people in church attendance, membership and baptisms is not compatible with spirituality. Then, maybe if we simply discard numerical data, we might become more spiritual? Oh, no, there is a balance. Remember, there is a Bible book called “Numbers.” For instance, a 10-year membership chart of our Lake Union Conference could reveal trends of church growth but lack internal measurements of spirituality. Simply gathering numerical data of church attendance does not reveal the growth of one’s relationship with Jesus Christ. So, yes, using numerical data to measure external church growth has its limits. In fact, measuring internal growth (character transformation) leaves us floundering, because that is a joint venture with the Holy Spirit. In addressing heart work, the Holy Spirit works with you and me individually to yield the fruits of grace identified in Galatians 5:22–23.
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E Elden Ramirez
E Cynthia Baskin
Best Motivation for Record-keeping The best numbers and the best motivation for church growth originates from the three members of the Godhead. The Father loved us so much that He sent His son (John 3:16). Jesus valued us enough to be nailed to a cross and die for us (John 12:32). The Holy Spirit breathes upon us the dynamic power of the gospel to transform our lives (Acts 1:8; 2:17–21). When our motivation is aligned with the Godhead, we are in the majority. Numbers are on our side! A Tool for Record-keeping Since Heaven conducts record-keeping (see Dan. 7:10 and Rev. 20:12), might we discover some insights from our church records and reports? The North American
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