One of the lessons I've learned in ministry is that you cannot control outcomes. We plant and water, but God gives the increase! That drives us crazy as control freaks, but it also takes all of the pressure off of us. We can't do it. Only He can!
The most gratifying thing is ministry is when God does something you cannot take credit for. That's what I live for! And the truth of the matter is this: most of the good things that happen don't happen because of us. They happen inspite of us. We just need to stay out of the way!
This is hard to put into words, but I feel like NCC is entering a new season. I feel like we have very faithfully labored in the Nation's Capital. And God has added to our numbers. But I feel like we're about to enter a season of multiplication. I just wanted to blog about it before it happens. It won't be the result of our planning or preaching. It'll be a sovereign move of God. It won't have human fingerprints on it. It'll have the fingerprint of God. And it can't just be an NCC thing. It's got to be a kingdom thing!
I'm actually going to do a personal fast because I want to draw a line of demarcation. And fasting often marks the end of one season and the beginning of another.
We experience, on average, 40% turnover per year. So we have a new congregation every two and a half years. The wonderful thing about that is that we have extended family all over the place. We're almost like this revolving door church that is always sending people out. And that is a byproduct of our demography (70% single twenty-somethings) and geography (Washington, DC). In some ways, when you lose 40% per year, it's tough to grow. We have to grow 40% to break even. But I really feel like we're coming into a season of multiplication. I don't know exactly what that means. And it doesn't "add up." But that is what is in my spirit. And that is one of the reasons we'll launch multiple locations this year. When God puts something in your spirit you need to step out in faith so God can deliver what He has promised.
The most gratifying thing is ministry is when God does something you cannot take credit for. That's what I live for! And the truth of the matter is this: most of the good things that happen don't happen because of us. They happen inspite of us. We just need to stay out of the way!
This is hard to put into words, but I feel like NCC is entering a new season. I feel like we have very faithfully labored in the Nation's Capital. And God has added to our numbers. But I feel like we're about to enter a season of multiplication. I just wanted to blog about it before it happens. It won't be the result of our planning or preaching. It'll be a sovereign move of God. It won't have human fingerprints on it. It'll have the fingerprint of God. And it can't just be an NCC thing. It's got to be a kingdom thing!
I'm actually going to do a personal fast because I want to draw a line of demarcation. And fasting often marks the end of one season and the beginning of another.
We experience, on average, 40% turnover per year. So we have a new congregation every two and a half years. The wonderful thing about that is that we have extended family all over the place. We're almost like this revolving door church that is always sending people out. And that is a byproduct of our demography (70% single twenty-somethings) and geography (Washington, DC). In some ways, when you lose 40% per year, it's tough to grow. We have to grow 40% to break even. But I really feel like we're coming into a season of multiplication. I don't know exactly what that means. And it doesn't "add up." But that is what is in my spirit. And that is one of the reasons we'll launch multiple locations this year. When God puts something in your spirit you need to step out in faith so God can deliver what He has promised.
10 Comments:
Mark, great insight. What you describe is called "the strategy paradox" in business management courses. A leader may follow a strategy step-by-step, but unforseen events inevitably will occur...the reason why the leader must remain connected to the originator of strategy (God) through relational prayer.
Pastor Mark: God bless you. Interesting article! I'm very interested in everything related to church growth and decrease. What would you credit your 40% turnover? I know, knowing is the way to solve it, but trying to figure it out would also contribute.
There are a lot of theories around, but one of the most sound and solid that I have come across I found it on the book called Sticky Church. In essence, the reason why people leave a church tends to be related to the level they are "connected" to the other members in the church.
I don't want to sound like I have the answer, but I do wanted to contribute with this idea. Maybe it does help.
Thanks, Luis
Mark,
I'm excited to hear you talk about what's happening at NCC. Because of your books and blog, I feel like part of the NCC "extended family," even though I've never visited NCC... Plus as a fellow CBC-er, I always root for you!
I'm going to join you in a fast for NCC and pray God send the increase!
"The most gratifying thing is ministry is when God does something you cannot take credit for. That's what I live for! And the truth of the matter is this: most of the good things that happen don't happen because of us. They happen inspite of us. We just need to stay out of the way!"
I love this! I think you truly captured the essence ministry. Thanks.
Praying for you guys at NCC. I know that what you have preached and spoken has blessed me Mark. God's way of multiplication and His economy is much different than ours. Just look at the corn kernel. How much corn is produced just from one little kernel is amazing.
You said you are coming to WA in March!? When and where?
We'll pray for you about this Mark. What a great prophetic word for your church! Love you and your words! Great to meet you recently!
Steve Keyes
"They happen inspite of us. We just need to stay out of the way!"
Love it!!
"Still need to work like it depends on us and pray like it depends on God." I love that too and I need to really put it into practice!
Yes, I agree. God has given to many words for this new year to our church in No. Cal. One in "Revival Again In 2010" another is "The Church Will Win in 2010" and the last is "Pentecostal Wind in 2010" So we are very excited for this year. We started the year with a church wide fast. We have seen things happen ALREADY.
Here's a shout-out from some extended family in New Zealand!
Your work and the work of NCC. is multiplying right now ! Your fruit has spread throughout our ministry in huge ways ! Thank you for your faithfulness to God ! I am looking forward to hearing all God will continue to do through you ! Amazing how He works !!!
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