RE: "[T]he size of the congregation is no indication of God’s favor or disfavor."

No indeed. "The wind blows where it wishes" (John 3:8 ESV).

And yet, a fair appraisal of a congregation's character can be helpful. Whatever character is generally evident on Sunday morning can influence whether visitors return. In recent months, new people have joined my small congregation after noticing and appreciating how sincerely engaging many of the members seemed to be. "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).