I desire for you to focus on a very critical word in the life of any congregation.
That word is Excellence. Consider how we can become not only a people of
excellence, but a congregation of excellence.
Excellence is putting the best foot forward, attempting to see that all is done
as best as it can be done. What are the ways in which we can strive to be on top as
a congregation and demonstrate that clearly to those around us?
Many years ago I was the pastor of a congregation in another state. One of
my worship responsibilities was to offer the children a message every Sunday. One
Sunday we had a number of visiting children. When the children had come forward
and gathered on the floor in front of me, one of our visitors held up her hand. I
asked her for her name and then I asked what she wanted to ask me. She simply
said, “You have a dirty church.” This prompted me to ask what she meant. She
stood up, turned around and exclaimed how dusty her slacks were because the floor
of the Sunday School room had not been swept. She then commented about how
much in disarray the shelves. I told her that I was sorry and told her that we would
do a better cleaning job. Her comment and complaint indicates a church that is not
excellent.
Sports teams practice so that they may do the best job possible. Musical
groups also practice to be able to present the best performance. Should we expect
any less of the church?
Over the next six months or more, pastoral candidates may come to visit First
Christian. Will it be said of us that we are a church of excellence?
