1208 Crosses

In our Holy Conversations series, Gil Rendle stated, quite bluntly, that non profit entities seldom know exactly what it is that they produce. It is not like they fill a loading dock with goods that are sold and shipped. It is hard to point to an inventory, accounts receivables or other typical measures of output. The result is that the non profits tend to focus on activities and gathering resources, and equate both with success. If we have more and do more, surely we are doing God’s work. That is the theory. The trouble with that approach is obvious. If that is the way we measure success, then we have to do more and gather more resources. Obviously, that is not a wholesome or efficient model. Fortunately, there is a better way.

One of Gil’s best quotes is “If you don’t know where you are going, any path will get you there.” Obviously, any church has to clarify its mission so that it knows what resources are required to fulfill that mission. Stated another way, a church best measures its output by describing the effects of its work. The clear truth of this analysis is why we just spent two years learning how to strategically plan. The starting point was to describe what we do. It is more than just a mission statement. We have one of those: “Share the Joy of Knowing Christ- Reach, Teach and Serve!” Instead, it is a description of how reaching, teaching and serving changes lives. What do we produce with all of the time, energy and money we spend? Our answer? Changed lives! And with the Holy Spirit working through us, we produce Disciples of Jesus Christ.

Here is just one example. Our youth participated in the 30 Hour Famine, complete with a fast, lock-in and several service projects to raise money to help combat world hunger. One project was to make 1208 crosses and put them on the church lawn for Sunday morning. That is how many children starve to death each hour. As they put the crosses in the ground, they knelt and prayed for those little souls, and the ones to come. They prayed for a better time for the people who have so very little food, and questioned how they might be a part of the process to provide. Through the awesome grace and might of our God, the faith of our youth, the dedication of our adult volunteers and a generous congregation, lives were changed.

If we began to measure what we do by the lives that are changed and the Disciples that journey in faith, then our churches can see the results of their work and plan accordingly. And if a program no longer has that effect, then it is time to shift resources. Over a longer term, we will ask this question: What will be different in this person’s life in 5 years if they participate in the life of this church?

By the way, this inquiry, this search for purpose and mission, is lay driven. It is the work of the priesthood of all believers. It is our sacred work.

Joy!

Bill