I'm glad you mentioned this because I wanted to discuss it further in the essay, but it didn't quite fit: I'm not a goal-oriented person either. I prefer the ebb and flow of life. I've never been fond of the numbers game in evangelicalism. When we began work on the mission field each year, we were required to set numerical goals, such as the number of salvations, baptisms, and discipleship opportunities. Though well-intentioned, it felt cheap to me. How can I possibly measure salvation or the effectiveness of discipleship based on someone's heart? I came up with the '100 women' goal because it seemed like an impressive number to include in my annual goals. I'm thankful for the work God has done in my heart since then.
As a missionary, I totally get this. While our organization didn't have us set a numerical goal, there was certainly an expectation about the size of our church. There was such a rigid view of what success as a missionary means, and I felt so defeated at the beginning of our ministry. There are places in the world that Satan has in his fist, and we are not likely to see salvations by the dozens. But there are a few people who are seeing the light, and little-by-little choosing Jesus. And it's so beautiful.
Amen. Very well said. When we returned from Belize, a family member asked us, "How many souls did you save?" The answer wasn't satisfactory because he said, "Well, when I was in Africa for only 1 week, 200 souls were saved." Don't get me started on that one.
Beautiful. “Jesus does not mention goals in his kingdom; rather, he encourages people to do small works, and he will multiply them.” Thank you for this valuable reminder!
I love this. I have never been a “goal-oriented” person. I never had words to explain why. I think your words do.
I'm glad you mentioned this because I wanted to discuss it further in the essay, but it didn't quite fit: I'm not a goal-oriented person either. I prefer the ebb and flow of life. I've never been fond of the numbers game in evangelicalism. When we began work on the mission field each year, we were required to set numerical goals, such as the number of salvations, baptisms, and discipleship opportunities. Though well-intentioned, it felt cheap to me. How can I possibly measure salvation or the effectiveness of discipleship based on someone's heart? I came up with the '100 women' goal because it seemed like an impressive number to include in my annual goals. I'm thankful for the work God has done in my heart since then.
As a missionary, I totally get this. While our organization didn't have us set a numerical goal, there was certainly an expectation about the size of our church. There was such a rigid view of what success as a missionary means, and I felt so defeated at the beginning of our ministry. There are places in the world that Satan has in his fist, and we are not likely to see salvations by the dozens. But there are a few people who are seeing the light, and little-by-little choosing Jesus. And it's so beautiful.
Amen. Very well said. When we returned from Belize, a family member asked us, "How many souls did you save?" The answer wasn't satisfactory because he said, "Well, when I was in Africa for only 1 week, 200 souls were saved." Don't get me started on that one.
Beautiful. “Jesus does not mention goals in his kingdom; rather, he encourages people to do small works, and he will multiply them.” Thank you for this valuable reminder!
Thanks, Lynette, for your kind words.
Lovely
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Abigail!
Brilliant.