Your pastors don’t often talk numbers, perhaps even to a fault. Too often churches slip into thinking “success” is simply measured by having more people in the room. That’s not true, and it makes manipulation far too tempting. Better to regard success as faithfulness to Christ, fruitfulness in godliness, and figures as purely the Lord’s prerogative.

There are good reasons for a church to sometimes talk numbers: chiefly, to give glory to God for his work among us. You see this repeatedly in the book of Acts. With that in mind, here’s a few figures from last Sunday. Read them, rejoice, and join me in praising our King who is changing lives right before our very eyes.

  • 1 New Elder – The church overwhelming affirmed Mike Bond as our newest elder. Mike is a tangible expression of Jesus’s care for his sheep (you and me).
  • 2 Baptisms – These baptisms were powerful pictures of both the gospel and the power of God’s Word.
  • 9 New Members – Church on Mill welcomed an astonishing 9 new members in a single Members Meeting. Each one now family committed to helping each of us grow in godliness. Each trusting God to minister through us to them.
  • 300 Worshippers – Approximate number of people being served through our Sunday morning ministries this fall. From kiddos to college students to senior adults, what a beautiful display of the body of Christ!
  • 62 Prayer Bands – Members picked up 62 prayer bands, each with the name of a pastor or leader from one of 30 churches attending the Simeon Trust Workshop at Church on Mill starting later this morning. Imagine that? God entrusting COM will the chance to bless 30 area churches with a renewed passion to preach Christ.
  • 1 Audacious Dream – To ask God to intervene and somehow build facilities at 13th and Mill sufficient for this growth, able to serve future generations, and big enough to allow us to equip entire teams of members to leave together to plant and revitalize churches across Arizona and around the world.
These are exciting times: thank you for all you are and do. Praise God! May he do still more for his glory and our good.