The 20/80, Non-Biblical Principle | REV3 = Revitalize, Energize, Visualize

The 20/80 principle that many people subscribe to in organizations and some churches inferring 20% of the people do 80% of the work is not Biblically-based or God-endorsed. Some even alter the principle to saying 10% of the people do 90% of the work, further detracting from God’s Word and His principles. In the church, many have adapted their methods and thinking because they have adopted this principle as being true.

In the Bible, many scriptures point to the truth that each person in the body of Christ has a role to play and is not only anointed by God for that role, but appointed to do this. A pastor deceived to think that the 20/80 or worse, the 10/90 principle is a good way to lead a congregation will find themselves overworked or underpaid and doing a disservice to either 80 or 90% of the congregation. This is not Biblical shepherding. In 1 Corinthians 12-14, we can clearly read that everyone has received at least one gift and is empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish the tasks within the measure of faith God has given them, often beyond their means. Moses was admonished for adhering to the thought that he had to do what others could do (Exodus 18).

In Ephesians 4, we also see clearly spelled out that each part has a work to do, and the maturity and growth of the body is indicative of each fulfilling their function. It is a very callous and proud thought that either 10 or 20% of a congregation should do all of the work. Although they may be able to accomplish the tasks, they will either not be done well or those doing the tasks will find themselves completely exhausted and in need of heavenly rest before they can labor further in their callings.

False thoughts like false teachings will not only corrupt the body but disable the function of the church and stunt its growth. God‘s concern for the weak makes it clearly evident that He is concerned that no matter how one looks at themselves or others, we must agree that each person has value in God‘s eyes according to the way that He created them and gifted them. Therefore, they must function in that capacity for their own health and for the growth of the congregation.

True Biblical shepherds will work at their duty to engage each member of their local body by employing every individual as God created them to function, not discarding them by applying worldly principles.