Doing the Math of Mission: Fruits, Faithfulness, and Metrics

by Gil Rendle

Over the past ten years, the North American mission field has experienced dramatic changes, which in turn have required congregations, middle judicatories, and denominations to adapt. Among these adaptations is an expectation for clear goals and quantified progress towards those goals. Church leaders who have never needed to measure their goals and progress with metrics may find this change daunting. The use of metrics—denominational and middle judicatory dashboards, and the tracking of congregational trends—has become an uncomfortable and misunderstood practice in this search for accountability.

Doing the Math of Mission offers theory, models, and new tools for using metrics in ministry. This book also shows where metrics and accountability fit into the discernment, goal setting, and strategies of ministry.

While there are resources for research on congregations, tools on congregational studies, and books on program evaluation, there is a gap when it comes to actual tools and resources for church leaders. This book is intended to help fill that gap, giving leaders a toolbox they can use in their own setting to clarify their purpose and guide their steps.

Resource materials that leaders can use in their own setting are available. In order to obtain this material, please contact .

Genres: Church

156 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Lisa Lewton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve found Rendl’s writing to be a helpful guide. He writes out of a wealth of experience, challenging congregations beyond our denominational nostalgia and loyalty to focus on changing lives in Jesus’ name. I read “Quietly Courageous” before this one, which includes some of the highlights of this book. If you had to pick one of the two, definitely choose “Quietly Courageous”.

In this book are helpful questions for a congregation to clarify its mission based on what difference the church wants to make.

[Greg Bolt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paradigm Shifting

This short book gives a great overview of why and how churches should and can move to more accurate measures reflecting need and purpose. Butts in pews and dollars in the plate won’t cut it. This book provides resources to help.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this one. It was recommended to me after I wondered how you could measure things that seem immeasurable, and Rendle's work (drawing on that of many others) helps reframe that question in some valuable ways.

[Kyle Haack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent little book on the difference between counting and measuring for the church.

[Rev Martin J. Homan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for more clear thinking on the mission of the church

This is another vital book by Gil Rendle for the future church. I would commend it to settled pastor's as well as adjudicator as well as interim pastors.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting -- much more so than the title would imply. Worth the time to read.

[Roderick Wolfson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent concepts for religious and other non-profit leaders.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

There is some really good, useful information in this book. The organization is lacking, however. It needed a better editor.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful and resourceful without too much filler. I’ll be keeping it on the shelf.