The quote in and of itself it accurate but incomplete.  As for a measurement of success, I would rather think of it as an objective.  It is a piece of the whole but not the whole.  I think we try to ask this question, “What kind of person do we seek to produce?”

If I were to look at my congregation and see half not knowing how to feed them self I would say awesome simply because that means we led half of our church to Christ. 

Finally, I would add that many people do not lack for knowledge of what to do, they lack for knowledge of how and for someone to go with them as they do it.  Many churches tell people what but do not know how to instruct in the “how” portion of faith.  Many systems send people home to grow when people need a healthy partnership of faith to grow.  If a church seeks to make disciples of Jesus independent it must tackle the how and build structures whereby people can grow together.

I liken Bill’s comment to this:

When I was homebound, I was told by more than one person that I could not be growing stronger in my relationship with God/Christ. Why? Because I was not able to physically be inside the walls of the building to hear the pastor-preacher preach, the Bible study leader lead, and etc. While all of those things in of themselves are good and important, they do not substitute for personal study, prayer, and etc.

Okay. For all those FANTASTIC pastors and leaders out there..... Yes, you do a great work. But you do not do it alone. Yes, we should be meeting together and encouraging one another...... Please do not misunderstand me here. With that said:

If one were left alone on an island, would that person really be all alone? Could they not still grow in their relationship with God/Christ? If someone else were to suddenly be plopped down on the island with them who was not a Christian and did not know about God/Christ.... would it not be their responsibility to share with that person? Or should they wait for the preacher, teacher, and etc to show up?

Hope that makes sense to someone out there!

Chris has done Bill and all of us a disservice by not providing sufficient context for the quote.  I have been around Willow long enough and sat in on enough of Bill’s Q and A’s to know he rarely is that simplistic in what he says.

Chris,

Good for you for not wanting to meaure church success by the same yard stick as the world’s definition (total numbers).

Do total numbers really mean anything if each individual’s life is not changed, changing, and inspiring/encouraging others to want to change?

If you’re looking out into the congregation and there are thousands and only half of them can feed themselves spiritually and lead others? Well, my questions to you would be… Who are they following? Who are they worshipping?

Thanks for responding!

Blessings,
Camey

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