The Unstuck Church Podcast with Amy Anderson

Numbers Are Not the Enemy - Episode 418

Oct 15, 2025
Explore the surprising benefits of using numbers in church management, challenging the notion that they are impersonal. Discover how metrics can enhance ministry effectiveness and align teams with mission goals. Learn about distinguishing between lag and lead measures, with practical examples for implementation. Hear tips on overcoming resistance to metrics and fostering productive conversations within teams. Ultimately, see how metrics can serve as valuable tools to clarify objectives and celebrate successes in ministry.
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INSIGHT

Why Churches Resist Metrics

  • Many church staffs avoid numbers because they've only worked in ministry and fear weaponization.
  • This creates a false dichotomy between being people-focused and numbers-focused that harms effectiveness.
ANECDOTE

Front Door vs Back Door Surprise

  • A multi-site church assumed a backdoor problem because staff saw new people on weekends.
  • The data revealed a front door decline in new people added to the database over six years.
INSIGHT

Metrics Prevent Drift And Overprogramming

  • Without clear metrics teams lack clarity on where they're winning or losing.
  • That ambiguity leads to overprogramming, loss of momentum, and drifting into maintenance.
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