Charles Spurgeon on bragging about your Sunday numbers

[redbeardiam]

I think Charles Spurgeon looked forward in time and read the twittter/facebook foods of 98.9% of the pastors I know.

Or maybe it's just that human nature doesn't change.

This is my favorite part:

Quote: Do not, therefore, consider that soul-winning is or can be secured by the multiplication of baptisms, and the swelling of the size of your church. What means these dispatches from the battlefield? “Last night, fourteen souls were under conviction, fifteen were justified, and eight received full sanctification.” I am weary of this public bragging, this counting of unhatched chickens, this exhibition of doubtful spoils. Lay aside such numbering of the people, such idle pretence of certifying in a half a minute that which will need the testing of a lifetime. Hope for the best, but in your highest excitements be reasonable. Enquiry-rooms are all very well; but if they lead to idle boastings, they will grieve the Holy Spirit, and work abounding evil.

The rest is here: http://www.bloggingtheologically.com/201...ul-spoils/

[pastor's wife]

Man, I LIKE Spurgeon.

[elfdream]

You all do know he was an 'evil' Calvanist?

[laurat99]

When I worked as a church (SBC) secretary, one of my tasks was to forward our Sunday numbers to the State Association. It would then be published in the weekly state paper. It's human nature to compare yourself to others, and many pastors are competitive people. I just wish they were honest about it, but that would mean they were more about numbers than people, right?