03/17/2021
“Things I’ve learned on the pastoral journey”
Don’t live by “Monday morning numbers”. As I pastored I would receive numbers from my secretary each Monday morning regarding the previous day’s attendance and offerings. If the numbers were good and encouraging, I would be encouraged. But, if the numbers were low, I would tend toward discouragement. Living by Monday’s numbers can be a difficult way for a leader to live.
Now obviously, keeping track of attendance and finances in a church is necessary. If the trend is continually downward attention must be given. However, letting those numbers affect us emotionally is dangerous. And, we are currently in a very interesting time with the Covid situation which has obviously affected church attendance and finances dramatically. My wife and I are presently serving a small rural church while the pastor is taking some much-needed time off. This church has had to go to two services due to county restrictions so you can imagine what a two service requirement has done to a small group. Numbers are low so we have chosen to look past numbers and know that God is present regardless of how many seats are filled. So pastor, whether you preach to thousands, hundreds, dozens, or a handful, be encouraged. Father God is so proud of you!