How many attend?
I think I am asked this question more than any other. It seems to be many people’s initial reaction when I tell them we I am pursing an alternate expression of church. I struggle with how to interpret this question. On the cynical side, it might mean the questioner’s main church paradigm is focused on numbers – how many people attend, how much money is given, etc. This is of course contrary to what Jesus taught. However, I don’t find this interpretation satisfying because I don’t believe everyone who has asked me that question falls into that unfortunate category. Yet the question of “why?” remains. Why do so many people ask that question before any other? Unfortunately I haven’t been able to answer that question thusfar. I usually answer “How many attend?” by saying, “There are about 10 people in the community.” This answer usually evokes something like, “The community?,” as if to say, “You didn’t answer the question. I asked how many people were attending your main worship service.”
