Continuing yesterday’s observation on evangelism, there’s probably something worse than not communicating clearly. Have you ever heard of “Net Promoter Score”? Me neither although I’ve answered the Net Promoter Score question many times as I’m sure you have too. I received this one within the last week:

“How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or colleague?” It’s today’s go-to question for many companies. Here’s a full explanation by company who sells it. Basically, the interpretation is that if you answer 9 or 10, you’re a “promoter;” 0 – 6, a “detractor;” 7 – 8, “passive.” Subtract the detractors from the promoters and voila! a net promoter score.

But Seth Godin shoots all that in the head:

More than two-thirds of the companies surveyed said that they used NPS methodology with their customers. Some are using it to measure employee satisfaction as well.

The P stands for “promoter”, but of course, it doesn’t actually measure promotion.

If that many of your customers are actually promoting and recommending your business to others, you would be so busy you wouldn’t have time for a survey. – Seth Godin, The Net Promoter Score, April 29, 2024

Seth went on to explain and drop a bomb into my comfortable Christian discipleship at the same time:

“Would you recommend” is not the same question as, “how many people have you told?”

Do you love Jesus? Yes! Absolutely! He’s the best! Would you recommend him to others? Of course! How many people have you told?

Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age. – Jesus, Matthew 28.19, 20, MSG

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. – Paul, Colossians 1.28, ESV