I was learning that only some things that count can be counted, and not everything that is counted counts.

Were people coming to know Christ? Yes!

Were they being nurtured in their faith? Yes!

Was mentoring and discipleship taking place? Yes.

Were they reaching others with the Gospel? Yes!

Were they serving others? Definitely!

Were they coming to church at 10:00 a.m. for worship? Well, no.

But that was no longer important. What counted were the deep redemptive friendships being formed. What mattered was that those who were once marginalized and disconnected were finding a place they could call their own. What mattered was the emerging sense of belonging, encouragement, and God-focused lifestyles.

Russ, Chuck. Three Pillars for Launching and Leading Churches: Cell, Congregation & Celebration (p. 16). Xulon Press. Kindle Edition.