Maybe the way in which we are determining  if a church is sucessful or not is a bit off.
In this video of Michael Frost talking about the importance of developing new “measuring sticks†or “scorecards†for the church, He emphasizes the need to find new ways to measure where the rule/reign of God is flourishing. What sort of things can we “measure†that will illustrate evidence of the moving of God in our lives, and therefore, in our churches.  Take a look below at some thoughts on things we might actually start measuring.  We need to stop worrying about how we are to live “in the church,” but struggle mightily with knowing how to live as the church!
New “Measuring Sticks” to consider from Reggi McNeal…hmmm?
- Number of specific people being prayed for both inside & outside the church
- Number of people prayed with during the week by church members
- Number of prayer meetings conducted off church property
- Number of community leaders adopted and prayed for each week
- Number of prayer walks taken in the community/neighborhoods
- Number of prayer cards received from community prayer boxes
- Time spent in prayer in staff meetings for community needs
- Number of people reporting that they are growing in their personal prayer life
- Number of times each week school teachers are prayed for/over
- Number of people sent into trailer parks, apartments, retirement centers
- Number of community ministries adopted by church groups/classes
- Number of people serving other people in some venue
- Number of people serving as mentors
- Amount of time spent engaged in community service
- Time spent in mentoring people in the community beyond the church
- Number of hours people spend in direct ministry to community needs
- Amount of time spent in corporate gatherings celebrating stories of community involvement
- Hours spent each week building relationships in Third Places
- Number of hours each week members open their homes to others
- Hours each week spent supporting/ministering to single parents
- Percent of church budget moving towards externally focused ministry
- Number of schools using the church facilities for their activities
- Number of community organizations using the church facilities
- Use of church land for soccer/baseball fields, basketball court, skateboard park
- Percentage of facilities used during the week by people for personal growth such as exercise classes, tutoring, life skill seminars, etc.
- Number of life change stories on church website
- Number of people engaged in spiritual discussions on website/blogs
- Number of computers distributed to school children
- Number of needs met through “need and lead†ministry on website which allows people to post needs on website
Other thoughts from Reggi McNeal:  Maybe we should start planning for ministry at the church by starting with the community calendar rather than the church calendar. “Predictably, when we begin with the internal concerns and rhythms of church life, there is usually little time left over for any community efforts. Beginning ministry planning for events “out there†will create many potential ministry opportunities that might never be considered if we continue to do planning on the inside of the bubble.†Also there may be a need to reduce church calendar of events. If we expect people to serve their communities as missionaries, we are going to have to release them form church activities and responsibilities.