Future numbers success

In the past I've blogged about the inevitable question that is asked whenever youth ministers get together.

I said I don't fear numbers for they hold significance, but this morning in church my mind wandered to what I think one of the real queries should be when measuring success.

This question relies upon longevity and focuses on the effectiveness of the disciple-making process. It asks..."From the number of year 11's you had three years ago, how many are still around?"

Getting large numbers isn't always easy. I would love it if it was. But it's also not impossibly hard.

You just do lots of crazy things. Go on nothing but wild adventures. Have amazing advertising. Shamelessly poach kids from other churches. Cater especially to the popular crowd. Never challenge them with the truth of the Jesus and the invitation to give their lives to Him.

But the overall Kingdom effectiveness of this method will be reflected once they leave school.

Sure, some teens will get married or move away for work or study, but the majority of the fruit will wither. If we are called to make disciples, not just high-school-followers, then this will be reflected in the answer to the question...