Over the years we have heard the report of thousands being saved every year in our associated ABA work. I am always excited about that! We are also told about how many thousands of sermons were preached and lessons given and how many were baptized. That's interesting and it makes good reporting.
But where is the information that will really tell us about the disciples that are being made? We have no idea about how many missions or churches were established as a result of the souls saved and baptized. Wouldn't this information be helpful for us to know? I have tried to gather research on how many new churches have been started in the last two years and it is very difficult to find out. We have learned of only four new works so far this year. Maybe someone out there can tell me about more that I don't know about. There is a way to gather that important information; it's called "The Missionary Statistical Report Form". Every missionary could simply tell us what we are trying so hard to find out.
By having this information we could know more accurately what our missionaries are achieving and how well we have been doing the Great Commission. It would be a simple addition to the statistical report form. Apparently it will take a vote of the messenger assembly to add these questions.
The Missionary Statistical Report Form does not have a place for this necessary information. Here are some questions that need to be included in that form:
1. List the number of new missions established under your ministry during this reporting period.
2. List the number of new churches organized under your ministry during this reporting period.
We could include two other questions that would actually give us much more accurate information about the status of church planting in our work. They would be:
1. List the number of missions that have closed their doors or disbanded.
2. List the number of churches that have closed their doors or disbanded.
Some feel the above questions are too negative and should not be included. My answer to this is, why shouldn't we want to know the whole truth of what is happening in our ABA missionary work, if it will help us to do better in the future? To my knowledge there is little or no statistical work being done among our churches or missions to ascertain the progress or development of our associated work other than some local associations scattered about.
If you are interested in having this information added to the Missionary Statistical Report Form please let me know.
David
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5 comments:
I think it is an absolutely great idea! You have my vote for it and probably all three of the messengers from my Church.
Such questions would help us see where God is working. I believe it will also be encouraging to the Lord's churches as they see the reproduction of New Testament churches around the world. Moreover, it should inspire us to organize more churches.
With regard to the "negative" questions, these are necessary for proper analysis. However, they serve a greater purpose in reminding us of the persistence of our enemy and the constant spiritual battle around us.
Spread the word about the need for these questions being added to 'statistical report form' ok?
Appreciate your comments guys.
can we copy the blog you wrote to pass on to others so they will know?
Please feel free to copy this blog and send it around if you wish. It will help us to get the word out.
Thanks
David
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