Ministry is not necessarily about numbers and statistics. However, numbers can be insightful as we look at our overall mission.

For instance, one statistic every board should know is the number of women from its coverage area who, in a year’s time, are likely to obtain abortions.

It’s not easy to get an exact number here, but we can make some educated guesses.

By finding our state’s vital statistics, we can find out the number of abortions performed statewide, which is a start. By dividing the population we serve into the state’s population, we get a rough percentage of how many of our potential clients end their pregnancies at abortion clinics.

For instance, if we serve 2% of our state’s population and reports tell us that 20,000 abortions were performed in our state, we can roughly say that 400 women from our area sought abortions in a previous year.

There are variables of course; some will cross state lines, larger population centers have higher abortion rates, etc. But, with some math and some careful guesswork, we can come up with our ministry’s Number.

This number, whether it is 100 or 10,000, is a snapshot of one of our key responsibilities.

If we are to make abortion obsolete in this country, it is going to take every center doing its part, large or small, to be the first choice for women and families facing unplanned pregnancies. If we’re the first choice, they won’t run to the second option.

What if?

What would happen if every board of directors determined its ministry “Number” and placed that figure on the center of the conference table at each board meeting? Some might see this as silly or a waste of time. But my guess is, many of us would see that number as a clear reminder of why we are at the table.

We can, if we take our ministry to the highest level, effectively end the practice of abortion. Really. It starts with knowing our Number and saying in essence, “This is a calling; and I’m going to do my part to make sure that in the future, that number is Zero. Why not place that number on the table at the next meeting . . .  So that every decision the board makes is one aimed and making that number . . . Smaller?

Reprinted by permission from LifeTrends.  To find more about the resources provided by LifeTrends to encourage your volunteers, educate your Board and reach your supporters, or if you're looking for a great speaker for your next banquet, contact Kirk Walden at kirk.walden@comcast.net.