Quality or quantity? It’s the age-old question.
For most of us, the answer would be “both, please!” But that’s seldom possible. Usually, a choice must be made. Go wide (quantity) or go deep (quality). In this guest article, Rich Brown helps us move toward quality by outlining four essential questions every ministry must ask.
— Karl Vaters
A generation ago, consumer advocate Ralph Nader shifted the focus of corporate America from mere production and profit to quality, compelling companies to prioritize craftsmanship and reliability over sheer numbers. Car manufacturers, for instance, began competing not just on sales but on how long they could stand behind their products.
Ironically, as corporate America embraced quality over quantity, many churches began moving in the opposite direction—placing greater emphasis on numbers and reach rather than depth and authenticity. Kent & Barbara Hughes, in Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome, lamented that many ministries had become more preoccupied with audience size and influence rather than the truth and integrity of their message.
Today, effectiveness is often equated with growth, leading many to overlook moral failures in leadership and questionable behaviors within congregations. The apostle Paul addressed a similar issue in his letter to the Corinthians, where believers were captivated by the charisma and performance of various religious leaders.
In 1 Corinthians 3:10-17, Paul laid out essential principles that remain just as relevant for today’s church as they were for the first-century church. He provides four vital questions that every ministry should consider when evaluating its effectiveness—regardless of its size.
1. What Is the Foundation of Our Ministry? (1 Corinthians 3:10-11)
A strong building begins with a solid foundation, and so does a ministry. Paul makes it clear—there is only one acceptable foundation: Jesus Christ. His name, his mission, and his glory must be at the core.
Ministries built on personalities, trends, or programs will ultimately falter.
A friend once shared that when stepping into a pulpit as a guest preacher, he noticed an inscription on the lectern: “We would see Jesus.” It was a humbling reminder that people don’t need to see a leader—they need to see Christ.
2. What Methods Are We Using to Grow Our Ministry? (1 Corinthians 3:12-13)
Paul warns that every ministry will be tested by fire. Some may choose quick and easy methods—using materials like wood, hay, and straw—while others labor diligently with gold, silver, and precious stones. The former may achieve rapid results but lack endurance, while the latter requires patience and sacrifice but stands the test of time.
In today’s landscape, pragmatism often dictates ministry choices. If it works and attracts people, it’s deemed successful. However, true success isn’t about immediate results but eternal impact.
When the testing comes, only that which is built with integrity will endure.
3. What Is Our Expectation for Reward? (1 Corinthians 3:14-15)
When I left home for my junior year at a Christian college, my father reminded me: “Remember, son, you’re not going into ministry for money.” He could have easily added—or for recognition, influence, or popularity.
Some ministries expand rapidly using questionable materials, while others lay longer-lasting foundations.
Paul teaches that rewards will be based on the enduring value of one’s work, not its outward appearance. Some may find themselves before God, like survivors of a fire, left with nothing but the ashes of perishable pursuits.
4. Who Are We Trying to Impress? (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)
“When pragmatism becomes the guide, the audience becomes man, not God.” – Kent & Barbara Hughes
The church is God’s dwelling place, and he is meticulous about its construction. He will inspect the work of every builder—not through the lens of public opinion or media acclaim, but by his own divine standards.
Are we building to glorify him, or are we compromising quality for the sake of visibility and applause?
Paul’s message wasn’t just for prominent religious leaders—it was for every believer. The Corinthians had tolerated poor spiritual builders, just as many do today. Recognizing and rejecting superficial leadership is the responsibility of every church member.
A Sobering Reminder
On April 23, 1987, a $17 million, 13-story apartment building in Bridgeport, Connecticut, collapsed, killing 28 construction workers. Investigators quickly identified critical flaws:
- Was the foundation properly laid on bedrock or compacted earth?
- Were the concrete materials up to standard?
- Had workers failed to brace columns adequately?
- Was the cost-saving lift-slab method used improperly?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration found 238 code violations, resulting in massive fines for the responsible contractors.
God is no less concerned with the integrity of his church. Ministries must resist the temptation of shortcuts and superficiality. We must ask ourselves: What are we compromising for the sake of growth?
Paul’s warning to the Corinthians was clear: Remember who you are—the dwelling place of God. A holy structure. Not just another religious enterprise. God was exacting in the construction of his Old Testament temple, and he is no less meticulous today in building his church.
(Photo by Alberto Ziveri | Flickr)
