However, I do have a problem with the AMOUNT of time one spends, for example, in Bible study or prayer as a measure of Christian effectiveness. After all, in any other line of work the LESS time you spend on a task is an indicator that you are becoming better at it. I know for a fact that my prayer life is briefer, but as effective, as before, because I learned how to pray. Get rid of the "thees" and "thous" and get to the point---say what the Father says, and believe!
You have to continually TURN OUTWARDLY, especially toward non-believers, with your charity and optimism and faith and good spirit and love, and shine your light, not just get so isolated like an island and turned self-inward, hanging only with Christians, with too much bible reading, Christian TV, and Christian music tapes. It gets self centered and non productive after a point, and does not spread the word externally or get more people into the fold (which is the 'commission' after all). Just preaching to the choir does not always build the church's attendence numbers!