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How do you measure success?

How do you measure success? In business, success is measured by increased sales and rising profits. In sports, success is measured by games won and championships achieved. In war, success is measured by battles won, land conquered, and enemies defeated. In school, success is measured by high grades, good test scores, and admittance to the college or university of your choice.

Photo Mark Schroeder wearing green vest with cross
WELS President Mark Schroeder

How do you measure success in the church? Some people measure it by growth in membership, increasing church attendance, or healthy finances. Others measure success in the church by the impact that a congregation has on its community. Still others measure it by the number of programs and ministries that involve and benefit a lot of people.

But success in the church cannot and should not be measured by numbers, statistics, or finances. The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians that “it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). In other words, the success of a Christian congregation or synod can ultimately be measured by whether it, which has been entrusted with the saving gospel, is faithful in holding to the truths of God’s Word and in proclaiming those truths whenever and wherever God gives the opportunity.

I suppose you could say that there are three kinds of congregations in our synod: those that are blessed with numeric growth and abundant resources; those that are healthy and holding their own; and those, because of changing demographics and fewer job opportunities, that are struggling with fewer members and declining financial resources.

But numbers do not tell the story about whether a congregation’s ministry is successful. You will find success in all three kinds of congregations—growing, holding their own, or declining—as long as they are holding tightly to the truths of God’s Word and proclaiming the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. In all cases, the faith of God’s people is being nourished, believers are being equipped to serve, and God’s work is being done. And in all those cases, as these congregations faithfully plant and water the seed of the gospel, it remains God alone who makes the seed take root and grow—not necessarily in terms of outward growth, but in terms of the fact that he is building his church in his own way and in his own time.

What’s true about our congregations is also true for our synod. Yes, our membership has declined steadily over the last three decades. Yes, we want to rededicate ourselves to reaching more people in more places with the gospel. But don’t look for success in the numbers. Look for success as God continues to see to it that his Word is preached and his gospel is faithfully proclaimed. As we do that as faithful stewards, we will see God keeping his promise: “[My word] will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).

That’s how you measure success in the church.

Schroeder signature

Mark G. Schroeder | WELS President

Author: Mark Schroeder
Volume 112, Number 02
Issue: February 2025

This entry is part 1 of 60 in the series presidents message

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This entry is part 1 of 60 in the series presidents message