All About the Numbers

It seems the new series at Elevation is surprising some folks. I can accept that. At first glance it could be surprising. However, what annoys me beyond words is when people stop at that first glance. Look closer. Dig deeper. Figure out what is really going on here before you pass judgement. Many churches will claim that they don't care about "numbers." At Elevation, you will be told straight up that not only do we care about the numbers but everything we do is based on the numbers. It's about the number of people who were far from God and are now filled with life in Christ. Elevation's passion and goal is to reach these people who are far from God. Is it working? Here are some stats to help you decide-

*623 salvations since Feb. 07
* 426 baptisms since Feb. 07

Another myth about Elevation is that it is "just for the young people." Tell that to the 40+ age group that makes up the largest segment of our first time guests most weeks. This is a church for those that have a passion for Christ and for leading others to Christ. Age is irrelevant.

Another claim is that we are all about the show. This claim happens to be true. Pastor mentioned this Sunday and said, "Yes we are! If by show you mean the preaching of God's word, the worship of Jesus, the creative compelling presentation of the most innovating message ever to light up this planet, thousands of people coming together, the gospel being preached, Jesus being lifted up...then yeah we are all about the show. It's all about the preaching of God's word so that people far from God can meet Jesus and have their lives changed." There is nothing watered down at Elevation. Not the music. Not the production. Certainly NOT the gospel. Ever.

More numbers-

* Since December we have had over 4,500 First Time Guests,

of that over 1,300 were 40 and older.
*Most weeks, the biggest group is the 40+ crowd.
*156 First time guests every week the past 10 weeks

*577 volunteers

Am I a little fired up? Sure. I don't apologize for that. Here's the bottom line. What is going on at Elevation is not typical. But it is of God. Elevation may not look like your church- it may not follow the "traditions" you are used to. But before you let your ignorance speak, do your homework. Dig deeper. Watch some of Pastor Furtick's sermons. A little old lady playing an organ or a man falling asleep on the back row are two things you will not find at Elevation. What you will find are possibly the hardest working people in ministry, the highest quality of everything, and most importantly the gospel being presented in its entirety. We are not a "seeker sensitive- water it down so you don't offend anyone" kind of place. Stick around long enough and you are bound to hear some numbers as well because it IS all about the numbers!