Rev. David Gilpin
Senior Minister of Hope Church, Sheffield Behind everything you see is something you don’t see. This book is designed to outline nuggets of wisdom that often remain invisible behind thriving churches and ministries. Mixed with a touch of humour. Top 10 of Everything looks into the Private Word and the Practical World, the Handy Hints World and the Wide World of Knowledge. It gives advice on many subjects that may prove invaluable to established and up-and-coming leaders. Read it all at once or read it one Top Ten at a time.
This book can also provide new preachers with an opportunity to ‘borrow’ some of the Tom 10 outlines to create lively and dynamic sermons.
Top ten WAYS TO COUNT YOUR CONGREGATION
UP FOR THE COUNT
One of the most frustrating things about leadership is how slow it is to get your ministry grow. God gives the increase but sometimes we lose patience waiting for it.
- INSTALL THE TURNSTILES
and make sure that the toilets are on the opposite side of the turnstiles from the meeting hall.
2. iNCLUDE ALL THE PREGNANT WOMEN
Count them as two.
3. INCLUDE ALL THE PEOPLE WHO DIDN’T COME
but call the church their home.
4. INTRODUCE THREE PEOPLE TO COUNT THE CONGREGATION
Always pick the highest figure.
5. INVOLVE YOUR EVANGELIST IN THE ROLE OF COUNTING
The figure is sure to be higher than normal.
6. INSIST ON ALWAYS COUNTING ‘IN FAITH’
Surely the numbers will be higher than when counting with the natural eye
7. INVITE THE WHOLE COMMUNITY TO COME
and tell them that you’re giving free shopping vouchers from a major supermarket to all who turn up. Then count.
8. INDULGE IN COMPLETE DENIAL
and keep preaching to thousands.
9. INTRODUCE A MIRROR WALL ON THE SIDE OF THE WORKSHOP HALL
and then get someone visually challenged to count.
10. INTERVIEW FOR THE JOB OF COUNTING
and only select teenagers who use excessive words such as “mega” and awesome
