80/20

The Pareto (named after Vilfredo Pareto, an economist) principle states that often, 80% of the outcomes come from 20% of the causes. Roughly, 80% of crimes are committed by 20% of criminals - 20% of all patients use 80% of the health care resources.

Clergy often quote the 80/20 rule as, "20% of the people do 80% of the work" or "80% of the church income comes from 20% of the parishioners." While theories, both seem to apply in the realities of the churches I have served.

Question is, is this a good thing? Is this a Christian thing?

Does Christ call his followers (at least, those who claim church as home) to let 20% do the Mission and Ministry of the church while roughly 80% sit back and enjoy (critique) it? I am not talking about those who cannot contribute. All churches must reach and love those who cannot participate in a substantial way. I experienced a homebound paraplegic who made all the church phone calls for reminders and pastoral care and had a vibrant ministry.

Maybe 10-20% cannot contribute in any way. There are still quite a few who see church not as a lifestyle of discipleship but as simply (maybe) entertainment, relief, battery charger – some form of consumerism.

We have the one religion where God instructions us to consume him (Lord's Supper.) Is this what he meant?

Are you an 80%? A 20%? Something else? What do you think?

Dare to follow Christ today regardless of the cost.