I’ve done a lot of statistics in my time. Every scientist has, and most other disciplines use them.

And I’m also convinced that women and men are both called to the task of proclaiming the gospel, and that includes preaching.

The third thing I’m sure of is that statistics can be misused – and here’s a wonderful example.

A new survey published at the International Christian Resources Exhibition, in Esher, for brand new women's magazine Liberti reveals that almost twice as many serve tea as ascend the pulpit.

"One in five women preach or teach within their local church - an encouraging number although nearly twice as many find themselves on the coffee rota," said Editor Bekah Legg. "Times they are a-changin' - but can we have a bit more, please?"

What’s missing? A figure telling you the proportion of men in the church who preach or teach. So there are more people on the tea rota than on the preaching team. So what? We have three times as many people preparing tea every week as we have preaching. Not arguing with the conclusion, but I am complaining about the rubbish use of statistics!