Stories Behind the Numbers

At Granger Community Church we still keep hard data gauges in the ministry pipeline to measure the success of our efforts in carrying out our mission of "helping people take their next step toward Christ... together".

• We still count attendance on the weekends to measure the effectiveness of our efforts to draw a crowd to hear that God says they matter.
• We still count those who are volunteering, serving in the ministry. We believe that's a good sign of growth, ownership, or at least interest in our mission of following Christ.
• We still count giving. We believe it reflects growth and surrender of people's hearts. It also helps us be responsible with our ministry vision. Oh, yeah, the auditors like it, too.
• We still count people who are connected in relational environments such as groups, core classes, retreats and events. Every step taken toward Christ matters.

As helpful as these numbers are, they cannot be the only measurements we use. Every number is a person. Every person has a story. So, we try to listen to the stories people tell. We hear stories from small groups, baptisms, and serving teams. We ask for stories: "Tell us what God is doing in your life? What steps are you taking toward Christ? How have you been drawn into relationship with Jesus through this ministry?"

Then we find ways to share those stories. Here are just a few of the ways we share them:

• We post real stories on our website at gccwired.com
• We share them at our weekly all-staff meeting
• We set aside 3-5 weekends every year so everyone can hear them

This weekend is one of those story-sharing weekends. We'll hear inspiring stories from 6 individuals in all 5 of our services June 4 and 5. Using media and interview format we'll unpack spiritual journeys, reflecting on days of searching and the variety of ways God gets one's attention. We'll celebrate the definitive life change that each of these people have experienced. What a weekend it's going to be.

It's a powerful experience for people to hear from others who are "just like me" in their mind. Not a preacher, not a pastor, not a professional - ordinary people whose lives will never be the same, because of Jesus.

And all weekend long we'll count the number of people who hear these stories to see how effectively we're impacting our community with the love of Christ through our services. Thousands in our area still don't experience the message of Christ at any church on the weekend. Every number is a person. Every person has a story. Every story is somehow wrapped up in God - whether they know it yet or not.

I can hardly wait. I just love a good story!

(P.S. - Be sure to check with Tony on Monday for the "box score" for the weekend at GCC.)