Eric, I too have a huge aversion to numbers for numbers sake. However, I do recognize that setting goals and follow up can be important. As the saying goes, “where there is no vision, the people perish.” I heard it said that one of the reasons that numbers are checked is that it is a way to check on the spirutality of a ward if they do such things as their home teaching as it is hard to measure such intrinsic things such as each individuals relationship with God. As someone who has been a visiting teaching supervisor for many years, it does make me ponder that it may be a good way of discerning if people need help. I know that some of my sisters have not been able to visit teach at times due to depression shutting them down. That is just one symptoms. Some people will do other callings in the ward at the same time and not be able to do visiting teaching including these same sisters. But maybe reaching out to another person as a visiting teacher is just too hard for them at this time. Ironically, reaching out to others in a positive way is one of the things that helps depression to lift. However, it is not always easy to take that step when one is depressed. And I am not just talking pop pschology here as AARP had a good article about depression and writing emails of gratitude to others and be connected to others was important. Well, I am rambling but I hope I made a point in there somehwere. I remember meeting with my Stake President when he was a counselor to the previous Stake President and how he said that if all the programs do not help the indivdual then it is in vain as it is the indivdual that counts.

With my background in small group communication, I remember how it was said that some things are inefficient to be discussed in small groups. For instance, if Michaelangelo had to have small groups to finish his work, we may not have the masterpiece today. However, there is good that comes from brainstorming in many instances. And I think that work brings about good things. I was one to believe in keep going door to door even if you don’t feel inspired as a missionary. I believe God blesses effort and can lead the way. I really feel that God loves me. I don’t know if my leaders love me. I do know that God has given me witnesses that the Church is inspired.

THis may just be the currect personality of my current ward and stake, and I think this is more of a local leader issue other than a churchwide thing.

Or maybe I am reacting badly to what I perceive.

If you choose to do so, I’d be interested in the answer you received.