Originally published on August 24, 2012.
ROI.
Return on Investment.
It’s a phrase that rattles through businesses worldwide. It often drives the world of marketing — church marketing, included.
How much did we receive in relation to the amount of time and money we spent?
I will argue that churches needs to look at ROI differently than most entities.
You’re not selling coffee mugs or a college education. Eternity is at stake.
You have to ask the question: How much is one soul worth?
Would a Billy Graham Crusade be labeled a failure if only one person came forward?
Is that ministry really worth it if we only have a couple people show up?
Is sharing the Gospel with 100 people worth it if 99 people tell you to scram?
Is writing a daily blog worth the time and effort if only one life is changed?
In the church, it’s not about return on investment. It’s about obedience to God’s plan. It’s about sacrifice. Stepping out on faith.
If God has given you a task, you have to do it.
Knock on a hundred more doors. Buy the extra canned goods to give away. Sponsor more children through World Vision or Compassion International. Stay an extra hour at your volunteer job. Scholarship a kid for church camp. Give your last two coins.
Do you think Jesus thought about ROI on the cross?
I thought about that not long ago.
My salvation cost him nothing less than his life.
I’m so glad he didn’t look into the future and, with his supreme omniscience, knowing there would be millions upon millions who would reject him, decide it wasn’t worth it just for a sinner like me.
So when God gives you a job to do, and when you think your work — your sermons, your church outreach, your Sunday School lessons, your ministry — isn’t reaching anybody, be blessed with the knowledge that you are being obedient.
Maybe the soul that needed to be reached is yours.