What is the measure of success in your organization or ministry?

Remember grade school and Arithmetic? The teachers in grade school always wanted to see our work. We not supposed to get the answer only in our head. In that class success was not measured by having the right answer. It was more a matter of doing the work, and using the right process. From this illustration we can learn that God also wants more than “results.” We need to do things God’s way.

When the Gospel was preached by Peter in Jerusalem, the result was that 1000s believed. When the Gospel was preached by Stephen in the same place, the result was that Stephen was killed and Saul the persecutor was emboldened.

But still, we can wonder how much the life of Stephen and the way he died stayed with the persecutor. How much do you suppose the face of dying Stephen remained in Saul’s mind? The preaching through Stephen’s life and the manner of death was a great success! It must have been a strong influence that moved Paul to receive and obey the heavenly vision on the road to Damascus. Success is measured by whether or not we are doing things God’s way.

Success for a leader is measured most effectively by how well those we lead are moving forward in the direction we’ve been leading them. Paul was encouraged by the growth of the believers in the places he ministered, measuring his success by the success of those he led.

For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy. (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20)
John the Beloved, writing late in his life, is also satisfied, and he rejoices because of the way the truth was received by his “children.” (2 John v. 4; 3 John v. 3-4).

For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (3 John v. 3-4)
Success is best measured by succession.

We should not apologize for feeling good about the people God has given us. We should rejoice in the godly transformation of those God has given us – as surely as parents find joy and satisfaction and fulfilment in their own children. That is the true measure of success.