“Every leader, in a sense, has got to establish some metrics of how he or she defines success in whatever his or her particular mission is. So, in some ways, the content of those measures will differ. But transcending that, I think if you look at all of the leadership literature, if you look at all of the leadership experience out there, you’ll always find the same two things. There is relationship, and there is task.” – Henry Cloud
As church leaders, it’s crucial to define what success looks like in our context. What does a “win” look like for your church? How do we know we are fulfilling what God has called us to do?
This requires deep introspection. It involves seeking God’s guidance, aligning our mission with His purpose, and evaluating how we lead His people.
When Pastor Steve Murrell wrote the mission statement, “Honor God and Make Disciples,” the vision was clear. Success wasn’t about becoming the biggest church or filling seats with thousands of attendees. The focus was on two things: honoring God in all we do and fulfilling the Great Commission by making disciples.
I recall a senior pastor’s meeting with Pastor Steve, during which he asked for discipleship metrics. Many of us focused on Sunday attendance numbers, but he gently reminded us that these weren’t the numbers that mattered most. The real measure of success was our discipleship numbers—how many people were in small groups, growing in faith and leading others to Christ.
That meeting was a turning point for me. It shifted my perspective on how to measure success as a pastor. While Sunday attendance helps in planning and logistics, it’s not the true indicator of a thriving church. I’ve come to embrace the principle that healthy disciples make disciples. My primary goal as a pastor is to lead and foster an environment where discipleship thrives.
Henry Cloud captures this balance beautifully when he says:
“I think that every organization and every leader ends up defining success differently because of the peculiarity of their own mission. But there’s got to be fruitfulness in what they were there to do, and it’s got to be done in a way where people have been bettered in the process. From a biblical perspective, success means people are being made more complete in the image of God and living out the essence of the gospel. On the task side, success means the Kingdom of God is advancing because of that leadership.”
Practical Steps for Measuring Success
- Define Your Metrics:
Clarify what success looks like for your church. Is it the number of disciples? The depth of spiritual growth? The multiplication of small groups? - Focus on People Over Programs:
Success isn’t just about executing tasks but about transforming lives. Ask: Are people growing in Christlikeness? Are relationships being nurtured within the church community? - Prioritize Discipleship:
Set a culture where discipleship is central. Equip leaders to disciple others and celebrate wins that reflect spiritual growth and multiplication. - Create an Environment for Growth:
As leaders, we are culture-makers. Create an environment where relational discipleship thrives—prioritizing people over numbers and health over speed. - Evaluate and Adjust Regularly:
Take time to reflect on what’s working and what’s not. Be willing to pivot your approach to align with God’s leading and your church’s mission.
A Question for You:
How do you measure success in your local church? Are your metrics aligned with your mission, and do they reflect the fruit God wants to see?
Let’s continue to lead with clarity, purpose, and a focus on building God’s Kingdom.