Measuring one's effort is certainly a critical component of any worthwhile endeavor. In many arenas, this is easy to do. You just look at the data and observe the facts. Pitchers are ranked, in part, according to their earned run average. Golfers count their strokes to determine whether they should brag or hang their heads after a round of nine or eighteen holes. Politicians tally votes.

What about churches and church leaders? God clearly has high expectations. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul says we should proclaim Christ, admonish and teach everyone so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. Jesus says that everyone connected to him is expected to bear fruit (John 15:1-4). But how do we measure this? When do we measure this?

Our congregation is in the middle of planning for ministry and mission. We are chipping away at our mortgage to free up resources and developing a strategy to become a missional church. People who do this kind of planning often put an emphasis on being ...