I want to bring up a topic that has been discouraging to me over the past 35 years of ministry.  I cannot even count the number of times I've had debates and arguments about numbers with church people. You’ve heard them haven’t you: Why do we care so much about numbers? Our pastor just wants more and more people.  Easter attendance doesn't mean anything. Why are we talking about building a new sanctuary just so we can have more people? Jesus only cared for one person at a time. Are you on an ego trip?  Pastor, you are never satisfied with the people we have. Why are we putting in more parking spaces?  When Mountain Park was averaging 180 in attendance, one of my best friends in Phoenix angrily said to me, Pastor, we shouldn't reach one more lost person until we disciple everyone we have now!

Where does this argument come from and why is it the same in every church I've consulted?  Is it true biblically that God isn't concerned with numbers?  I am here to declare one more time that God does care about numbers because every number represents a lost soul for His Kingdom. In fact, if you are a church planter and you don't deeply yearn for large numbers of people coming to Christ, you need to reassess your call. The Apostle Paul went from city to city to plant many big churches.  On the day of the Pentecost, 3,000 people were saved and baptized. It says, The Lord added to their number daily those being saved.

Jesus tells an incredible story in Luke 14 that I'd like to call The Church Planters Parable. He invites people to a banquet, but they make excuses and don't show up.  Jesus' next line opens up a window to God's heart for every church planter. He says, Go to highways and byways and make them come in, so my house may be full.  Other versions tell us, Compel people to come because God wants his house full!  Even after everyone was compelled to come to the table, there was still room for more.  Jesus then said, Go out and get more!

I will never understand why we ignore the words of Jesus and the heart of the Father. It is His desire that all would be saved and none should perish. I want to plead with you to never give in to the pressure people will give you concerning numbers, no matter what it costs you emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  My good friend in Phoenix went on to say, Robin if you send out another mailer to reach more people I will leave this church.  I'll never forget my response back, Well, I hope you pick one you like!

We can never forsake what God has declared in this great parable, I want my house full! God has stated the Priority of a Packed House. Let's pack it out again this Mother's Day!

Robin Wood
President, CMA