Ep 077: De-Sizing The Church (pt 9): The Danger of Idolizing Outcomes, with Mike Rubino
May 30, 2024
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Author Mike Rubino talks with Karl Vaters about the dangers of idolizing church growth outcomes, the difference between trending and transforming churches, and the importance of prioritizing health over size in the church ecosystem. They highlight the need to balance metrics with spiritual growth and focus on biblical obedience instead of fixating on results.
Idolizing outcomes in ministry can lead to a shift from the core mission of expanding the kingdom of God, emphasizing numerical success over spiritual depth.
Churches often struggle with utilizing metrics effectively, oscillating between overusing incomplete metrics and underusing them altogether, leading to a skewed perception of success based on growth in numbers rather than spiritual growth.
Deep dives
The Danger of Idolizing Outcomes in Ministry
Idolizing outcomes in ministry, especially focusing on church growth metrics, can lead to a shift from the core mission of expanding the kingdom of God. The obsession with numerical success can overshadow the true purpose of ministry, leading to a misplaced emphasis on growth rather than spiritual depth. By redefining success and shifting focus towards the Great Commission and the Great Commandment, pastors can prioritize meaningful impact over numerical achievements.
The Pitfalls of Overusing, Underusing, and Misusing Church Metrics
Churches often face challenges in utilizing metrics effectively, oscillating between overusing incomplete metrics and underusing them altogether. Overemphasis on numerical indicators can result in a skewed perception of success, where growth in numbers does not necessarily equate to spiritual growth. By setting goals, but holding them loosely, and focusing on broader mission objectives like disciple-making and community impact, churches can align their metrics with their true purpose.
Embracing Simple Obedience Over Controlling Outcomes
Emphasizing simple obedience to Jesus' commands, such as sharing faith, loving God and others, allows for a shift away from controlling outcomes in ministry. Jesus did not mandate a fixation on achieving specific earthly outcomes, highlighting the importance of surrendering control and trusting in divine guidance. By relinquishing the burden of measuring success based on worldly standards, individuals can find liberation in obedient service and embrace outcomes that align with God's will.
Karl Vaters talks with Mike Rubino about his First Reaction to the first chapter of De-sizing the Church, The Danger of Idolizing Outcomes.
Karl and Mike look at:
The difference between a church that is trending or transforming
The biggest mistakes churches make regarding metrics
Why “idolatry” is not too strong a term for how many churches and pastors approach size, growth, and outcomes
And more.
When we’re obsessed with doing something that Jesus never told us to do we’re always in danger of it becoming an idol. And the weight of that is more than we can bear.