What Should We Make Of The Numbers?

"Numbers don’t lie” is an expression that we have often heard, which in one sense is true....if we could only figure out what exactly the numbers are saying in the first place! As we examine the “statistics” box posted in the bulletin, we see that for a third year in a row our numbers have dropped. What should we make of this?

The bottom line is that we are losing more people in attendance than we are gaining. There are at least three possibilities why we lose people in attendance? First, people move out of the area. We have no control over that. Second, people depart from this life, which, if they are faithful Christians, is far better for them (Phil. 1:23). We have no control of that. Third, people leave Eagle Lake to attend elsewhere. We do have something to do with this reason, which may not always be sinful. It would be sinful on our part if we were running people off because we displayed ungodly attitudes (opposite of the mind of Christ, Phil. 2:5); if our sorry example in such things as attendance had influenced others to be indifferent toward the Gospel; or if we were not preaching and/or practicing the truth. Some people, however, may choose to attend elsewhere because of not getting their way, over-reacting to a perceived injustice, and/or other signs of spiritual immaturity. While we would regret their leaving for this reason, we cannot compromise the truth and/or the spiritual well being of the congregation just to please them. Thank God they are at least attending somewhere! Of course some, may leave us to attend with their family elsewhere. We must examine ourselves. If we have sinfully contributed to running off people, we must repent (cf. Mt. 5:23-24).

The good news this year, despite the numbers, is that we had three baptisms and eight restorations. We also secured Christian back on a religious workers visa. Additionally, God continues to bless those of us who remain. Yes, when we count our many blessings, we can be thankful for what God has and continues to do!