The Numbers Game

Is church success about a large attendance? That can be a dangerous criterion. False prophets can draw large crowds (Luke 6:26; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Matthew 7:13-14). Numbers alone prove nothing. Jesus rarely taught thousands, occasionally a hundred plus, most often a dozen or so and sometimes just three as we read in Matthew 17:1. Is quality time with a dozen and occasionally three key disciples a model for discipleship in churches? Is it a pastor’s job to spend equal time with a large group of individuals or intense time with a few? Is it then up to those few to care for the rest of the flock?