We’ve Got Your Number

The Dunbar Number is the approximate number of people we can  associate with and still keep some sense of community. I am not surprised. Often, people’s greatest memories are of churches of 150 or less. I like groups where we all have a sense of ownership, impact, and dependency on one another. Maybe you do, too.

This got me to thinking. What is the Jimbo Number? Okay, I made that up. What I was thinking was the number of activities in which we can really invest ourselves without being burned out, overextended or marginally involved with. As an observer of people and families, I see people in as many as 15 to 20. I suspect we are designed for 4-6. Remember, I am speaking to activities that really have an impact and ones in which we add and receive real value. Ones where true community is found.

How many activities are you in? List them. Prioritize them (are you afraid to do this?) Is doing nothing on the list? Where is church life? How did family time fair (did I beat out God?)

What did you learn? What, if anything, will you change?

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

John 15:16 (NIV)

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