Numbers and Growth

Duncan Brown writes:

I recently met with a significant leader and pioneer of one of the world's most significant Christian humanitarian organisations. He is sought after globally as a speaker and mentor. As he reflected on the many organisations and leaders he connected with, he was encouraged that they were more intentional about their planning. But he was less glowing about what they were planning towards.

What was worrying this leader was the fact that for many ministries, success took only one shape - numbers and growth. Except for the occasional reference to Christ, there was often little to distinguish the strategic intent of a Christian ministry from a corporation. Numbers and growth are important kingdom metrics but the role of Christian leaders is to search God for the often intangible signposts of success.