Reed Mueller

Not sure what to make of these statistics yet, but I thought I’d post them. Comment if you want!

80% of all modern church plants close their doors within their first five years. Of those that remain, only 20% (4 of the original 100) will ever have a weekend where attendance exceeds 200. (Source: a recent sermon by Mark Beeson).

The rest of the statistics come from a recent report church attendance distributions (source). In that report, data from six denominations (some mainline, some not) were compared and yielded the following:

• 40% of all churches in the US average 50 or less in weekend attendance
• 10% of all churches in the US average 350 or more in weekend attendance

Siting these and other statistics the author goes on to suggest:

As groups are able to increase in numerical size they still face relational obstacles to continued expansion… Malcolm Gladwell, drawing on the research of british Anthropologist Robin Dunbar, makes a case for the “Rule of 150.” The channel capacity of human beings, and its extension to social channel capacity, limits the number of social relationship that are a practical possibility to 147.8—or roughly 150. The Rule of 150 has been recognized as useful to a variety of groups including religious sects, businesses, and the military. 150 appears to be the practical size limit of relational based groups/churches. Beyond this point, people simply are unable to maintain expected and satisfying relational connection…

Yet, it is apparent that there are many churches that average attendance beyond the 150 mark. What is different in these cases? The author suggests:

In order for organizations, including churches, to grow larger certain realities must be faced. Sociologist Georg Simmel’s discussion of the impact of size, in terms of absolute numbers, on groups, is based on the fundamental problem of complexity. He states, “A very large number of people can constitute a unit only if there is a complex division of labor.” This is a key insight into the determination of church size, especially growth to a larger size. It basically states that in order for a small group to increase its size, the people must change the nature of their affiliation from small, informal group relationships to a complex division of labor type of organizational connectedness.

One last piece of information from yet another source:

The 200 Barrier is the “Grand daddy of them all.” It is the best known barrier and has received by far the most attention during the 1980’s and 1990’s. Nine out of ten churches average less than 350 per week in attendance. Two reasons seem to be primary: first, people enjoy being with people they know and are comfortable with and, second it becomes increasingly difficult to manage a congregation as it increases in size. In order for a congregation to break the 200 barrier the people must accept, and participate in, a fundamental change in the nature of the congregation. They must permit and support the change from a fellowship to an organization. Of course, this is a simplification of the task but it identifies the primary task.

So what do you think? Should churches grow past 150, our natural “channel capacity” for relationships? If so, why and how? If not, why not?

To add your thoughts or questions, follow this link.

I’m beginning a series of posts on prayer. What you’ll find below is a slightly modified version of a note I sent to some ministry leaders earlier this month…

I’m dead serious about all of us – every single person – knowing a new closeness with Christ and being formed into his likeness this year. Part of what I believe will make this possible for me and us is me becoming a leader devoted to prayer. However, I’ve got to confess that prayer hasn’t always been so easy for me, mainly because there is a huge obstacle that up until recently I never dealt with. Just in case this is an obstacle in your life, too, I thought I’d share a little bit.

So what is the biggest obstacle for for me (and perhaps for you) with regard to prayer? It is believing that praying isn’t really doing anything. Now when I say that I’m not implying that I believe prayer to be ineffectual; rather, I mean to say that I don’t feel as if I’m actively doing anything when I pray. This obstacle, this false belief, creates a lot of cognitive dissonance for me.

Here’s how it happens. I’m wired to be a doer. I’m action-oriented. If there’s a problem, I immediately start thinking about what needs to be done, what my role in it is, and how I can rally others to help solve the issue at hand. Because of my proclivity to get things done, I place a high value (maybe too high of value) on actions and their observable results. I feel bad when actions don’t lead to desired results and I feel good when a plan comes together. Am I alone here? Probably not.

My proclivity, paired with this false belief, is one of the things that has made prayer so difficult for me. While I know that God calls us to pray I don’t always see immediate results from that action, which can torque me.

So, I’m caught between a rock and a hard place, between how I’m wired and the call to pray. If I stop to pray, I feel pressure because I know there are so many things to accomplish on my to do list or project plan (and while I’m praying I’m not working on them)! But then again, if I don’t pray, I feel as if I’m not living up to some Christian ideal. Hence the cognitive dissonance: I’m uncomfortable either way.

So what’s the way out? It isn’t in changing my action-orientation. Instead, the way out is to reframe the obstacle, the false belief, with the truth. Consider these words from C.S. Lewis:

Can we believe that God ever really modifies His action in response to the suggestions of men? For infinite wisdom does not need telling what is best, and infinite goodness needs no urging to do it. But neither does God need any of those things that are done by finite agents, whether living or inanimate. He could, if He chose, repair our bodies miraculously without food; or give us food without the aid of farmers, bakers, and butchers, or knowledge without the aid of learned men; or convert the heathen without missionaries. Instead, He allows soils and weather and animals and the muscles, minds, and wills of men to cooperate in the execution of His will… It is not really stranger, nor less strange, that my prayers should affect the course of events than that my other actions should do so. They have not advised or changed God’s mind — that is, His overall purpose. But that purpose will be realized in different ways according to the actions, including the prayers, of His creatures. … C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), “The Efficacy of Prayer“

Let’s apply this not only to me, but to us now. That we’re not doing anything when we pray is a lie. The fact is we accomplish much through prayer, for prayer is a means through which God executes his will in the world and in the life of the one who prays.

• Through prayer, the sick are healed (2 Kings 20:1-6);
• Through prayer, protection is realized (Psalm 91:15);
• Through prayer, plagues begin and end (Exodus 8:8-13), fire drops from the sky (1 Kings 18:30-39), drought begins and ends (James 5:17-18), and the sun stands still (Joshua 10:12-14);
• Through prayer, the one who prays is changed as their will is conformed to the Father’s (Matthew 6:10) and peace enters their heart (Philippians 4:6-7), even if the prayer is one of complete sacrifice (Mark 13:34-36).

Through prayer, both the cosmos and the pray-er are transformed by God. So never believe the lie that to pray is to be inactive or unproductive. Never believe the lie that you can accomplish the really important and pressing things in life apart from prayer. Real ministry ceases without praying, which is why Paul instructs us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 4:17). So use your action-orientation to your benefit, make your first action, every time, to pray, because it is through prayer that God chooses to work his will through you and in you!

To comment or ask a question, follow this link.

I ran across this quote in my background research for my message two weeks ago and am just now getting it posted. Simply, yet profound thinking on how God worked in the world through his word.

“Pretty much all the nations and tribes from Bible times that were of Israel’s size are gone. So why did Israel survive? Not just survive; in the words of Thomas Cahill, ‘how did a tribe of desert nomads change the way the world thought and felt? What distinguished Israel from everyone else?’ It wasn’t power. Most of its history Israel was a vassal nation. It wasn’t wealth. Israel was never a consistent economic player. It wasn’t size. Israel was dwarfed by Greece, Egypt, Babylon, and Rome. What did Israel have? A book.” – John Ortberg, People of the Book, Leadership Journal, 29(1), p37

It was Israel’s dogged commitment to hearing God speak through his word that influenced the intellectual (and spiritual) history of the world.

By the way, if you’re interested in  joining the bible study methods class that will be starting up in a few weeks, email me.

To comment or ask a question, follow this link.

As is typically the case, our life group study was quite beneficial to me (and I hope others). Shawn did a very nice job leading us through James 1:21-25, which has its focus on two responses to God’s word. On the one hand, we can look at the word casually, not taking it to heart, and reap the reward of…well…not much. On the other hand, if we look intently into the word, we can see ourselves, our world, and God in a whole new manner and so be prepared for life as Jesus’ disciples well.

After discussing the text for over an hour, Shawn asked one final question, which went something like this: Knowing the benefits of really engaging with God’s word, what would help all of us look into it more intently?

One of our group members (Ammie, a full time chiropractic student) summed it up this way:

We just need to think of more days as test day. On test days you study differently because you really need to know, understand and apply what you’re reading.

I love the wisdom in that statement! It’s true, on test days students just study differently, more intently.

Now think about life. Isn’t every single day a test day? Each day we’ll be tested as we meet people in need, love our imperfect family members or friends, resist the materialistic presuppositions of our culture, and struggle to put God in his rightful place in our lives.

Since each day brings its own trouble, I’m so glad that we have God’s word through which he prepares us for the tests ahead (Luke 6:40; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

To comment or ask a question, follow this link.

As I promised in my Wednesday post, I thought I’d write today on why I’m now hungrier for God’s word than I have been in the past. My hope is that if you’ve wondered about how you could get hungrier to read God’s word, what I’ve changed in my own life might help you. So what have I changed?

#1: I have refined my thinking about God’s word

How we come to the table impacts our experience at the table. Sometimes on Thanksgiving I have a plan: “Reed, don’t eat until dinner is served, then you’ll really be stoked when that bird is served.” I never follow through on that plan. I’m always munching away throughout the morning and into the early afternoon. Yet, no matter how full I am by the time dinner rolls around, I can’t wait to eat because in my mind I have set aside such a special place for this particular meal.

I have recently refined my thinking about God’s word, giving it a matchless place in my relationship with God. It was always important, but now, it is of singular importance. I have come to believe that it will sustain me as God feeds me through it (Deuteronomy 8:3). The truth is that there is no substitute for being in God’s word oneself if you want to grow closer to Christ.

#2: I have refined my taste for God’s word

Much of what appeals to us about food is how it is presented to us. Go to a fine restaurant and they’ll have thought very hard about how to present the food in the most appealing manner. They’ve considered color, texture, and display combinations (among other things). The end result is that when we see it, our interest is piqued and we get hungrier.

I think one thing that has helped refine my taste for God’s word is how I present it to myself. I’ve noticed that when I package it up like a fast food meal it isn’t as desirable to me. On the other hand, when I set the plate appropriately (find a quiet place and time) and have appropriate variety in what I’m reading (not all Old Testament all the time, not all New Testament all the time, not all Wisdom literature all the time) it’s interesting nuances and flavors come to life. This might be just me, but I’ve noticed that this is making a difference. It’s hard to be delighted to read God’s word when all you’ve been consuming for a few weeks is a steady diet of Numbers. Work for a quiet time and place to read a variety of Scripture over time.

#3: I have refined my manner of metabolizing God’s word

You know what else I like about a fine dinner out? The company! A great meal becomes even better when shared with great company! If I’m dining on somethign great…I love to share it (and I love when others share what they have too)!

Similarly, my hunger for God’s word has grown because I’m being more intentional about reflecting on it through this blog. Funny, but it’s just a whole lot more rewarding when I can share with others how my meal – God’s word – is impacting me.

Want to grow your hunger for God’s word? Give it a matchless place in your quest to grow closer to Christ (the best thing you can do to grow is to learn to feast on God’s word yourself). Then, make sure you present it to yourself in the best possible manner; set aside a quiet place to consume it, and work toward variety in your reading and studying. Finally, share what you’re learning!

To comment or ask a question, follow this link.

Last weekend we were able to talk about what has been on my heart, and the hearts of many in leadership here at CRCC, with regard to the goal that God has given us for 2008. You can listen to the message, taken from Colossians 1:24-29, in a variety of ways (download or listen online/podcast feed/iTunes).

The call for this year is that everyone within the congregation – and everyone within reach of someone in our congregation – might grow closer to Christ between now and the end of the year; stated in five words, the goal is “Every Person Closer to Christ.”

What does this mean? It means that by year’s end we are working, hoping, and praying to help people inch closer to Christ in their mind, heart, and actions. Not just in one way, but in all three ways! It would be a pity to have warmer feelings toward or about Jesus, but fail to also be closer to him in actions in the “real world”…for then the world could not see him reflected through his Body. It would also be a pity to be closer to him in both feeling and action and yet not have the “mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16) with regard to how one sees oneself, others, and God…for “religious” vision, when impaired, is exceedingly dangerous (Luke 6:39).

So how do we grow closer to Christ in mind, heart, and action in 2008? As I shared in my message the other day, the key is found in the pages of Scripture and our approach to it:

• We must receive the Bible as God’s word to us. When we do we will come to understand that this is his “letter” to us. Want to hear God speak to you? Open the Book.
• We must also respond to what we’ve heard. As we do we’ll begin actual movement toward Christ. It may be because we  are called to change our mind in some way. It may be because we come to trust his promises in a deeper way and therefore our heart softens to his love. It may even be because we are challenged (and empowered) to act in some new way in how we treat ourselves or others or God.
• Finally, as a consequence of our receiving and responding, we will reflect him through our lives. This is the end result of God’s word working within us; this is his purpose in it – that we might perfectly reflect Christ in our world (Colossians 1:28; Colossians 1:24)!

So that’s the means to the goal “Every Person Closer to Christ.” We must receive God’s word to us, respond “faith-fully,” and in so doing reflect him in our world. As we receive and respond we move closer to Christ. As we reflect him in the world, others will see a living picture of him that inches them closer to Christ as well!

That’s the call…and it can happen in your life and mine! Really! Take heart and dive into God’s word this year…because it will accomplish the purpose of God in your life (Isaiah 55:9-12)!

Should you want to comment or ask a follow-up question on the blog, follow this link.

Due to factors I won’t get into, the last week or so has been a little more stressful than usual. My typical response in such times is to get really focused on all the tasks I have to get done; after all, I usually see them as the reason I’m stressed. But this time was different though! Instead of getting focused, I got hungry (and I loved it).

When the stress was at its peak a few days ago, I felt hungry to take time away from my tasks and consume God’s Word! Really, I literally said “This stuff can wait!” For a person who is calendar- and task-oriented, I think this shows greater maturity in my faith. Why? Because I realized that what I needed most was not to clear my calendar or task list but rather to be strengthened for the tasks ahead by spending time with, and hearing from, my Father.

I reflect on this here today because I was just reading about how God had sustained his people through the stresses of their desert wandering. You remember how he did it, right? He sustained his people with just enough bread (i.e., manna) for each day (Exodus  16:4). They didn’t always appreciate it, but it was what kept them well enough to sustain their journey with him.

I (we) would do well to remember this.

So often the great gift of God sustaining us through his Word is something that we don’t appreciate enough. If we are to make it through the desert times in our life, we must remember that God’s Word is the bread – delivered straight from heaven – that nourishes us (Matthew 4:4)!

Stressed out? Take time out to consume God’s Word! Feeling great? Eat up anyway, you may just need the extra spiritual sustenance tomorrow, or next week!

As to why I got hungry this time as opposed to not being hungry at similar times in my past, I’ll post about that on Friday.

To leave a question or comment, follow this link.

I need your help. I’m planning a march series, called “168 Hours,” which will follow Jesus’ footsteps during the seven days from when he entered Jerusalem through the cross and and his resurrection.

How can you help? I’m glad you asked! Please respond on the blog with your thoughts on one or more of the following questions:

• What questions do you have about his final week – his final 168 hours?
• What most inspires you as you think about his final week?
• What has the church in general (or CRCC in particular) neglected to teach about his final week (and why is this important)?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts…they will be part of shaping our March series and Easter outreach weekend!

To respond, follow this link.

If you were granted three wishes, what would they be?

When I was a kid, I always imagined that I would answer that question this way: I’d make two wishes for cool stuff and then a third wish for a few more wishes. I guess I’m a product of the American Dream where riches/stuff (falsely) equates with value and satisfaction; where more is better.

What if we took the American Dream out of our wishes and added a good measure of faith? I bet we’d come close to the following:

Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. Proverbs 30:7-9

Embedded within those three verses are three wishes that can change a life:

• To be a person of integrity;
• To have neither poverty nor riches;
• So that a third and greater wish could come true: To be one who honors the Lord and has a strong relationship with him.

That challenges me, and although it doesn’t come about from an automatic and mature spiritual “reflex,” I find myself wanting to reflexively wish for this to be my prayer:

Lord, teach me to base all my wishes on a desire to reflect you in my world, in my community, in my church, and in my family. Please, Lord, help me to wish only for what would bring you honor. Whatever it takes Lord, shape me into a person who can honestly (and reflexively) pray such a prayer as this.

Want to comment, follow this link.

Over the past few weeks we’ve been looking hard at what motivates worship (here) and what God-pleasing worship is. While last week we looked at what pleasing praise is (here), this week we looked again at Hebrews 13:13-16 to discover what pleasing sacrifice is (download/podcast feed/iTunes).

I do not believe that God is pleased in sacrifice for sacrifice sake. God is neither ego maniacal nor sadistic and thus the reason for sacrifice can’t be found in his need or our pain. So what is the reason? To shape us into who we were always meant to be; in essence, to heal us.

For this to make sense, healing must be construed correctly. It can’t be about alleviating pain (for many times, sacrifice for God or others results in discomfort of some kind, be it physical, emotional, interpersonal, or financial). True healing is healing that shapes us into what we were always meant to be: whole persons, accurately reflecting Christ in our world. That is why God is pleased with sacrifice, because it is part of our healing, part of God’s placing of each of his children into his work in the world (1 Peter 2:4-5).

In the message I made reference to three healing (and therefore pleasing) sacrifices:

1. The healing sacrifice Christ made on our behalf (verses 13-14);
2. The healing sacrifice we make when we confess Jesus Christ as Lord (this is sacrifice because we remove ourselves from the center of our own lives and healing because it is Jesus who is placed there; verse 15);
3. The healing sacrifice we make in our attitudes and actions toward others (this is sacrifice because we seek to heal others by seeing them as better than ourselves and healing because by this we become more like Christ; verse 16 and Philippians 2:3-11).

In all of this I implied (to my chagrin) that healing comes as we sacrifice through our own power. While it is true that healing comes through sacrifice, it is not true that healing sacrifice must be (or should be) done on our own power. Far from it, our energy, motivation, and power to sacrifice for others and for God in a healing way comes from His Spirit, as he leads, moves in us, and empowers us (Romans 8:12-17; Galatians 5:22-25; Ephesians 3:16; Colossians 1:29). So move about in God’s lead as you sacrifice by confessing him and serving others…and in so-doing you will participate in your own healing!

By the way, thanks for your comments (either emailed or posted to the blog) to the “feed-forward” entry earlier in the week! They helped me consider this post.

Should you want to comment or ask a follow-up question on the blog, follow this link.