Beth-El Baptist Church

09/16/2007

Greg Tomlinson


How important is it for churches to count attendance and congregational giving?


There are many congregations who place much emphasis on the counting of attendees at each service and tracking the number of conversions over a given period of time. Some teach that this is a proper way to measure the effectiveness of the ministry and an assurance of doing things right. It is important to know how much emphasis should be placed on the number of people and the amount of money.


  1. Are there places where the counting of people is used as positive sign?

Judges 7:1-7 1 Kings 18:22; 19:18

2 Samuel 18:1-2 1 Chronicles 23:27-30

Numbers 23:10 Exodus 1:1-5; 12:37

Acts 2:39-47; 4:4; 5:14; 11:23; 19:17-20 Matthew 14:15-21, 32-38


There are numerous times in the scriptures where the counting of people became a good thing because it was used to point out the greatness of God over the powerlessness of men. It was also used to show the greatness of God's blessing upon a people in growing them.


  1. Are there places where the counting of people is used as a negative sign?

2 Samuel 24:1-10 1 Chronicles 21:16-17

Deuteronomy 1:25-28; 28:58-63


The counting of people was also viewed as a part of the the curse of Israel. When there are few people in number, it was considered a sign to Israel that God was no longer on their side but that he was now fighting against them. It is important to remember though that this is under the Sinai covenant which was a bless/curse covenant. The most important thing to remember about counting is the account of David's desire to count the people. He did not count them for God's honor and glory but to indicate how big and important he was. The issue was not the counting per say but the reason behind the counting. It is important to know who is actually being glorified by the count.


  1. Are there places where the counting of funds or possessions is used as a positive sign?

Exodus 12:4; 38:23-26 2 Samuel 8:3-4; 10:18

Leviticus 19:23-25; 23:15-16


In some places, the counting of funds or other such possessions was used to indicate the gloriousness of God's tabernacle and temple. It demonstrated the excellency and the majesty of God and His people. It demonstrated their loving care and favor toward God by honoring him out of their possessions.


  1. Are there places where the counting of funds or possessions is used as a negative sign?

Judges 8:24-27 Matthew 23:23

Acts 5:1-10


The negative side of counting funds and possessions is when the funds or the counting of the funds brings dishonor to God. Counting a large volume of God to build an idol is considered to be a bad thing. Selling property and giving the proceeds to the work of the ministry is good, but giving a portion and indicating that it was all of it is bad. The issue is not what is counted but the why. When counting is used to indicate your own importance, then it is contrary to God's desire.


  1. As a Christian what is the proper way and time to count?

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

Luke 14:27-33 Matthew 6:32-34

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 Acts 20:27-30

1 Peter 5:2-3


The only thing that Christians in general, and church leaders in particular, is that they be faithful. Their giving ought to be in proportion to or according to how God has prospered them (see also Matthew 23:23). As a pastor, the need is to remember to be faithful to God and to His honor and glory. A pastor's job is not to develop a following nor is it to build an organization around them. The purpose of the pastor is to “feed the flock of God”.


Summary:


Counting the number of attendees can be very dangerous because it can give an improper sense of wealth. Some churches have modified their teaching in order to have a larger congregation. It is essential that the size of the church and the size of the bank account not be a determining factor in how and what is preached. The pastor's job is proclaim the Word of God and not be overly concerned with how many people attend, believe, or are converted. All of these things are for God to lead and direct. At the same time, the pastor is not to be purposefully abrasive and obnoxious and think that he is doing God's work. The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth must be proclaimed, but in love.