We’re on the same team, and I’m glad. So, let’s not compare ourselves to one another or compete with one another.
It’s a real discipline to learn how to be around other churches constantly without beginning to compare. Many pastors are preoccupied privately with what others are doing—whether it’s someone or some church they look up to, or a fellow church in their community. Some view those churches as competitors—though they would rarely admit so.
At some point, most church leaders will have at least a moment when they get tired of hearing about the throngs baptized at the church down the street—or the brilliant idea someone else had that garnered the community’s attention. We’ll get tired of it because it usually happens when things are flat-lined for us.
Please hear me:
Comparing yourself to others is a zero sum endeavor.
Even if in your comparison you come out “on top,” you’ll rarely feel good about your ministry, your staff team, your ideas or your vision.
Why? Because you’ll either become prideful, then discover a church in which the grass seems greener.
Comparing your church to another isn’t fair to you, them or the Kingdom. It’s a great way to ensure God’s blessing is removed from your ministry.
Do not compare. And, whatever you do:
DO.
NOT.
COMPETE.
WITH.
OTHER.
CHURCHES.
They aren’t our competition. They are on our team and we are, together, competing against the Destroyer. It’s so easy to get our minds around this rationally. Yet, I know it can be hard to embrace emotionally at times.
Orienting your church around others is poor leadership that leads to inferior results. I read a terrific article about how Apple’s obsession with Google is beginning to hurt its products in substantial ways. Click here to read it yourself. Apple will do just fine, I’m sure.
But the lessons to be learned are important for churches. The second we begin to compete with one another, we lose. The second we begin to compete together with one another, Jesus wins.
