And having called him, he said to him, ‘What is this I hear concerning you? Give the account of your stewardship, for you are not able to manage any longer.’ Luke 16:2
“Measurements do have a purpose, but we must be led by the Spirit. Not market measures but God’s imperatives should legitimate our ministry. At the same time, we must weather public scrutiny of our effectiveness and efficiency. The purpose of measurement is to govern and improve our standards of performance, excellence, and the fulfillment of our stewardship and accountability to God, our constituents, and to one another.”
Carl F. H. Henry (1913-2003) as recounted in “Ministry and Measurement” (Atlanta, Triaxia Partners, Inc., 2013) 9. Thanks to my mentor and friend, Wes Willmer, for passing this article to me.
Measurements for ministries play a key role in stewardship and accountability, and they also influence generosity. Because the work of ministry administrators is God’s work, their behavior must withstand public scrutiny and preserve God’s honor. Ultimately, their faithfulness helps be sure that the institutions they serve fulfill “God’s imperatives” which is why they exist in the first place.
What moved me about this article I got this week is that leaders often use metrics to get people to give money when instead, obedience and faithfulness should be the things we champion to rally greater participation in God’s work. The meetings in Hong Kong with ministry administrators and finance professionals have exceeded our expectations for fruitfulness thanks to God’s favor. What will happen from here? God only knows. We have planted seeds and are already seeing some sprouts.
Father in heaven, cause truth to take root and bear fruit here for your glory, especially so that transparent churches and ministries can engage the millennial generation which is starting to leave the Chinese church in HK as in the USA. May obedience and faithfulness lead to fruitful ministry and draw people to Your imperatives I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen!