It is not the usual advice that you get, but saying no to Christian activities grows the size of ministry.

In Christian ministry it has been assumed that it is best to promote and do anything that has a gospel edge to it. This assumption is now being challenged.

There is much research being conducted on two fronts. The first examines churches that have a policy of only doing a narrow list of pre-approved activities and saying ‘no’ to any others with churches that say ‘yes’ to anything. The results (entirely from the American setting) conclusively say that churches that say no grow much faster than those that say yes.

Some of our brilliant students at Moore College have been doing research into areas such as this and they found similar results in Sydney as well. One piece of research established that in growing churches 74% of ministers said ‘no’ to a Christian activity in the last six months, while in churches that were declining or stable ‘no’ was only said 56% of the time.

The second area of research is in the area of the minister’s ability to say ‘no’ to personal things he is asked to do. Again the American literature indicates those who say ‘no’ exhibit better ability to analyse and make good decisions. The reason often given is that such people are “better differentiated” and can make more objective choices. Our students conducted surveys of ministers on this issue too, and found similar results to the American data.

What does it mean?

There is an endless list of good things Christians can do. Because of this, we so often get overwhelmed and end up doing nothing. Saying ‘no’ surprisingly increases the engagement of Christians in ministry. I have done a little research into mission societies supported by churches. When churches support only a select number of mission societies congregations generally feel more committed and give more support than in churches that support any and many societies. It is part of our responsibility to focus attention and call for commitment to that focus.

Most ministry is best conducted by groups of people. To have numerous activities often leads to individuals who have a vision doing the task by themselves. It would be good in our churches to have people working side by side in ministry.

Having said that, it worries me that to always say ‘no’ means that new avenues that could bear great gospel fruit are not explored, and so we must beware of the weaknesses of a blanket rule.

And what about so many of our leaders who are unable to say ‘no’. Well, they must take control of their diaries, but congregations also need to give them the space and grace to say no. I have noticed when this happens, congregation members tend to become more willing to take up ministry opportunities.

Saying ‘no’ is counter intuitive, but there is nothing wrong with it and it is very helpful for Christian ministry.