Physical growth can be measured. Write down the height of your five-year-old, and a year from now you can easily tell whether he or she has gotten any taller.
Weigh yourself today and write down the results. Step on the same scale a month from now, and you’ll know precisely what you’ve lost or gained.
But what about spiritual growth? Is that growth measurable?
Of course it is! Prayerfully target a given sin, such as jealousy. Then on a scale of 1 to 10, keep a chart each day on how you’re doing. It’s not that hard to tell whether you’re improving.
Is it possible as a pastor to measure the spiritual growth of your congregation and how effective your preaching is? The answer is yes, you can. But again, you will probably need to concentrate on specific areas rather than talk in generalities.
What spiritual goals have you set for your congregation? Do you want them to be more missions-minded? Are they needing to improve in the area of worship? Would you like more of your people involved in Christian service? Is there a need for more in the congregation to get involved in a small group? Progress in these and other such specific matters are all measurable.
When corporate growth is recognized, it should be an occasion for affirmation from the pulpit. When more effort is needed, it’s the job of the pastor to be an encourager.
Measurable growth should be a normal part of being a follower of Jesus. That’s true both individually and as a part of a local church. And your role as a leader includes seeing to it that this is happening.
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