While quantitative and qualitative data descriptions are the two categories most commonly taught in early math or statistics classes, a different category is brought up in a church context. “Fruitfulness” is explained by Tim Keller as another aspect going beyond surface level observations. Fruitfulness takes both typical measures into account into a more specific focus on the Church’s mission. The balance between a church achieving pure number based growth appears to me as conflicting with prioritizing relationships and people. Maybe this seeming conflict of interests should not be seen as one and instead be seen as a challenge for the Church to overcome.
Before taking this course, I was not aware of approaching the mission of the church with a lens of newness. I have not previously thought of newness being something God is very much in favor of. The most important example is through fulfillment of the Old Testament covenants with a permanently lasting one through the death of Jesus. Balancing church growth numbers with the quality of new relationships built is not an easy task, but something that requires being addressed. It is up to the church to look for novel ways of achieving both regardless of varying financial resources God provides. Sitting back and accepting “Okay” results might not be following God’s examples of providing newness for his people.
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I agree that approaching missions and the church through the idea of newness is, well new to me as well. I have really enjoyed learning about innovation not only in the bible, but in the church today. I'm glad you saw the same thing as me!