I wish I could remember from my stats class how to determine a useful sample size, but I remember being boggled that the number could go all the way down into double digits. I'm not sure that it's significant that the stats held through cultures if indeed the sample size is too small, since if it's too small the patterns are mostly made up anyway. I guess the reason 410 struck me as small is because of how many parameters he's pulling out of each sample, it seems like it would be impossible to isolate all of the 15+ variables with only a handful of people per variable, and that's assuming that you even have enough people with similar enough lives that you can test for things like "use of materials".

So with regard to your questions, Jeremiah 17: "Cursed is the man who makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a shrub in the desert and shall not see any good come." So obviously Bob McNabb (all rights reserved) Ministry Technique Will Make Your Pastor Hate You - Backed By SCIENCE and RESEARCH will fail, but I'm assuming his "method" will be a toothier version of the second half Jeremiah's methaphor: "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heart comes, for its leaves remain green, and its not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

I've personally been witnessed to this way, from a coworker at Dak. His message was a come-and-see pitch for Bible Baptist in town, that his pastor was a cool ex-Amish dude

What is the biggest rock?

I'd agree with you that the multiplication isn't THE gospel or central unto itself, but if you do have your "1)" and your "2)" those things are incomplete without multiplication. Like, I can't imagine a person excelling in either without also consistently engaging in what he calls multiplication, not merely as an overflow, but as a nnecessary ingredient in a regard for the glory of God, love of brothers or brothers-to-be, and hope of an earth filled with his image. Even further, I think that his point that multiplication is a core *purpose* doesn't detract from man's cheif end. In your thoughts and prayers, plans and actions, words and relationships, inside the church and out, the primary reason I think we are here and not taken up with him is the same as Paul's reason for staying and not letting his body die in prison: fruitful work. While in this body, because of our cheif end, the meaning of this 70 year life is multiplication