Am I Practicing Calculator Christianity? Pastoral Self-Assessment

Purpose:

This tool is designed to help ministers honestly evaluate whether numerical metrics are shaping their theology, motivation, or self-perception. Its goal is self-awareness, spiritual growth, and alignment with biblical principles of faithfulness over results. This is the third article in this series.

A pastoral self-assessment inviting ministers to examine whether faithfulness is being measured by obedience to God or by numerical results.

Part 1: Self-Reflection on Ministry Focus

Answer each question honestly in a journal or privately. Be specific and include examples if possible.

1. Motivation Check

   
   

   • Am I more motivated by visible outcomes (numbers, conversions, attendance) or by obedience to God?

   • Scripture to reflect on: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” —1 Corinthians 4:2

   
   

2. Success Assessment

   
   

   • When a ministry event doesn’t produce measurable results, how do I respond emotionally and spiritually?

   • Scripture to reflect on: “But God that giveth the increase.” —1 Corinthians 3:7

   
   

3. Public vs. Private Faithfulness

   
   

   • Do I feel ministry is only valid if it is recognized publicly?

   • Scripture to reflect on: “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them…” —Matthew 6:1

   
   

4. Comparison with Others

   
   

   • How often do I measure my ministry by comparing it to other pastors, churches, or ministries?

   • Scripture to reflect on: “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” —Romans 14:5

   
   

5. Emotional Ties to Metrics

   
   

   • Do numbers (attendance, baptisms, YouTube views) influence my sense of spiritual satisfaction or worth?

   • Scripture to reflect on: “For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” —Mark 8:36

   
   

Part 2: Pattern Recognition

• Look over the past 6–12 months of ministry events, social media posts, and conversations. Ask yourself:

1. How often did I emphasize numbers over faithfulness?

2. Where did I celebrate God’s work vs. my own efforts or influence?

3. Did I feel pressure to produce visible outcomes to validate my ministry?

Scoring (informal, for self-reflection):

• Rarely = Mostly God-focused

• Sometimes = Occasional metric influence

• Often = Metrics strongly shaping perception

• Almost always = High dependence on numbers for validation

Part 3: Scriptural Alignment & Reorientation

For each area where numbers are shaping ministry:

1. Identify the pattern: e.g., “I feel discouraged if fewer than 10 people respond at an altar call.”

2. Counter with Scripture: e.g., “I planted, Apollos watered; God gives the increase.” —1 Corinthians 3:6–7

3. Practical adjustment: e.g., “Focus on praying for spiritual fruit rather than counting responses immediately.”

Part 4: Faithfulness Goals

1. List three ministry areas where visible results do not define success.

   
   

   • Example: Daily prayer for the lost, personal discipleship, teaching Scripture faithfully.

   
   

2. Set measurable faithfulness goals that are internal and God-focused rather than public or numerical.

   
   

   • Example: “Spend at least one hour a day mentoring young believers, regardless of outcomes.”

   
   

Part 5: Accountability

• Consider sharing this reflection with a trusted mentor or peer.

• Ask them to observe whether you:

  
  

  • Seek numbers for validation

  • Boast in measurable results

  • Neglect unseen faithfulness

  
  

This tool intentionally moves from self-diagnosis to reorientation—it’s not just about noticing Calculator Christianity, but actively practicing faithfulness without dependence on figures.

Please click on this link and you will be taken to a rubric/checklist that, if answered honestly will help you determine if you are a calculator Christian!

Calculator Christianity Diagnostic Checklist.pdf

Download PDF • 94KB

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This Self-Assessment on "Am I A Calculator Christian" is part of a trilogy. Please click on these other titles to read and learn more.

1. Calculator Christianity: A Case Study on Measuring Ministry by Numbers

2. Faithfulness Without Figures