What's in a Number?

I remember as a young pastor, the emphasis on growth was purely a numbers game. You counted attendance both in worship and Sunday School. You counted the number of professions of faith and the number of baptisms. Everything evolved around numbers. If your church was a vibrant church then, of course, you had a large number of professions and baptisms. If it was not, then your numbers were low. It was amazing then and even now, how those numbers "grew."

Yes, I suspect there is some correlation between numbers and genuine growth. I also suspect we should be suspect of that correlation. For the churches I pastored, if we only baptized twelve in a particular year, that was okay with me, because I could point to each of those twelve, call them by name, and tell you exactly where they were. Pastor friends of mine, who may have baptized a hundred and twelve, often had no idea where most of those people where - physically or spiritually. I much preferred the former scenario.

In John 8, Jesus is having a very detailed and specific conversation with the Jews. In this chapter some of the most profound statements of Jesus are located. "I am the light of the world" (8:12) is one and, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (8:36)" is another. During this dialogue with the Jews, it should be noted that "many believed in him (v. 30)."

After that statement, Jesus turns up the "volume" with these new believers. It is one that would, under any circumstances, separate the wheat from the chaff. The words are deep and pregnant with significance. They are direct and hard hitting. Why? Because he wants them to know what they are committing to and the radical departure in thought it will require. Not only a change in thought, but also a change in behavior.

Jesus seemed unconcerned about adding to his count. He was more concerned about making sure these "believers" knew what they were committing to at a very personal level.

It has been my observation, having attended several churches over the past eight months, that often what is required of folks is only a "looking up" at the Pastor, praying a simple prayer and maybe walking down front, then it is a done deal. What happens after that is anyone's guess.  How do I know that? Because I have asked on several occasions,  observed in other situations, and listened to the testimony of  pastors.

When I came to Christ, it was a radical change for me. There was a program of minimal discipleship through the Campus Crusade for Christ organization I attended, but I received little attention from the church I joined and was baptized in. I do recall a rather direct eye-eye conversation with the pastor, but that was about it. Then boom, I was planted in a Sunday School class and off I went.  I am one of the lucky ones, I have survived. I have struggled, but I have survived.

In this day of mega-churches, rapid growth and non-conventional worship styles, it is easy to get lost as a new believer. There may be a new members class to orient them to the church, but often a genuine discipleship ministry is lacking. 

So far, at least twice in John, Jesus finds himself in the midst of those who "believed", John 2:23-25 and here in John 8. On each occasion he makes a decision regarding those believers and responds accordingly. The implication is clear - not everyone who believes, believes. The numbers were irrelevant. The quality of belief was crucial. Perhaps there is something to be learned from those experiences.