Have you ever paused to consider how many statistics appear in the Bible? From the censuses in Numbers and Ezra, to the count of 153 fish in John, numbers are woven throughout Scripture. Some are symbolic, others practical—but all contribute to the rich tapestry of our faith story.
These statistics are only part of the biblical narrative. Some are deeply symbolic, yet they help paint a picture of how God has worked among us through the ages.
It’s no surprise then that we also collect statistics in our own time. You may notice someone discreetly counting attendance during worship this month. This is part of the Church of England’s annual October initiative—gathering ‘Statistics for Mission’ to capture a snapshot of church attendance across the country. Like the biblical accounts, these numbers, alongside the stories of our shared life, help us see how God is working among us.
As with any data, it’s important to understand why we collect these statistics and how they’re used. Let me dispel a common myth: in this diocese, they are not used to determine parish share. Instead, they serve both pastoral and strategic purposes.
Pastorally, these numbers help us gauge how well we’re connecting with our communities. They prompt us to ask: who are we reaching—and who might we be missing? Strategically, they guide our planning. They help us assess whether our resources are being used effectively and where adjustments may be needed. This in turn helps us to make future plans—knowing where we need to continue and where we need to change.
For these statistics to be truly useful, they must be accurate and complete. So I encourage you to ask: is your church collecting this data? Is it being shared locally and with College Green, so we can build a fuller picture of our diocese—and the Church nationally?
As someone wisely said, “we count people because people matter.” That’s the heart of this task. It’s not just administration—it’s a reflection of our shared life in Christ. Through worship, service, and community, these numbers help us see how we’re sharing God’s love and building the Kingdom.
So let me say thank you to all who are counting and making your returns. You are counting people—and people do indeed count. Each of us is known and loved by God, a love we are called to share.
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