The progression toward a miraculous lifestyle will go through different stages. At first, we will seek to add to what we have, either in relationships or results. We will live in that addition mindset until we come to realize the Great Commission will not be accomplished by addition. Once we recognize the failure of addition as our goal, we will then entertain a model of multiplication. Multiplication can produce notable results. However, those results can masquerade as success hiding from us the most powerful expression of God’s Kingdom expansion– the transformation of individual lives that will lead to the transformation of nations. 

Transformation is a deep work of the Spirit not tied to the up and down numbers represented in church growth studies or by how many people show up for a Sunday morning service. The reporting systems in many denominations create slaves of their leaders tying their success to the number of people added or the multiplication of ministries. This causes pastors and leaders to define their success only by increase, not by the depth expressed through transformation.

If we are to change our world for the glory of God, we must seek the higher metric of transformation. That focus will not always bring praise and notice in expressions of the Church where numbers rule the day, but it will honor God and set us on a course to see the miraculous power of transformation displayed in ways the math of addition and multiplication cannot provide.

When the power of transformation is finally realized and pursued as the highest goal of a ministry, it will bring a sense of freedom and refreshment to those who have labored under the weight of numbers and its resulting demand for performance attempting to do what only God can do.