In 1896 Vilfredo Pareto noticed something odd about his garden. As he picked his peapods, he noticed that some pods had more peas than others. A lot more, in fact. He estimated that 20 percent of the pods contained 80 percent of the peas; a small minority had produced the great majority. He discovered what some later named the Pareto Principle, the theory that 20 percent of a group produces 80 percent of the results.

Big question—Is Pareto’s Principle true for churches? Do 20 percent of the church members do 80 percent of the serving, give 80 percent of the offerings, and invite 80 percent of the guests? Based on the data I have from my own congregation, Pareto’s Principle seems sad but true.

But here’s the whole truth—80/20 is bad for all 100. When only some serve, all of us suffer. The “vital few” volunteers get burned out and become bitter about ministry. And those who don’t serve miss out on the personal connections, the congregational impact, and the blessing of giving that Jesus promised when he said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

The Jesus who loved you enough to lay down his life wouldn’t lie to you. When we move from 80/20 to 80/40 and then 80/60, we will experience God’s blessing. If nothing else, we will regularly remember the Savior who came not to take but to give, laying down his very life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).