I don’t have your email. I’d like to send you something. Email me, if you would.

Yeah, the whole “every number has a story” actually came from the IMB slogan from last year. I just turned it around to show how idolatrous we can be with numbers, and more importantly the numbers which we already count but are invisible and meaningless.

Regarding IMB, I think there is a real issue when it comes to determining what accounts for a church plant. In other words, you hear of “x” number of churches planted, but are they really churches? I think a lot of the infatuation and inflation of the statistics overseas has been perpetuated by the whole CPM idea and trying to justify having one (because the conversion rate has to exceed the birth rate, meaning that speed is the number one factor).

I don’t know what my plans are for the convention. I might blog a little, but my interest level is not that high. Outside of the RCM resolution and Founders Breakfast with Eric Redmond, there’s not a whole lot there that I find compelling.

This “pumping up of the numbers,” where does it come from? It seems that we are so focused on our size and our success that it becomes hard to focus on Jesus. I did some research on some things with the IMB and posted it on SBCOutpost. It seems that our infatuation with numbers affects our international work as well.

We all hope for God to bring the increase and for many to be saved. But, I would imagine that God will not bless outlandish claims. This is why repentance is so important and any resolution on this matter that does not include repentance for lying is almost worthless, in my opinion.

I’m not going to the SBC this year. I saw where you aren’t either. Will you try and blog on some of the events? I plan to as I can.