Excellence

[Coaching Lesson #9 from our Serving Leadership Development Program—Achieving Organizational Effectiveness, Phase 4]

We serve a God who is committed to excellence in everything He does. Genesis 1:31 says, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”

God wants each of us and the organizations we lead to always strive to do everything in an excellent and effective manner. By doing so, we bring the greatest possible glory to God.

Work as if you are Working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23)

As Christ followers, the motive that should drive us to pursue excellence is our love for God. Everything we do as individuals or as an organization should be done with a conscious awareness of His presence and a desire to bring God glory and honor.

Paul stated that such awareness should prompt us, regardless of how important or menial our assignment is, to “work at it with all our heart.” Whatever we are doing, whether in ministry (a role at church perhaps), at our place of employment, in our homes, or in serving others in our community, we should approach it as an opportunity to bring God glory.

David Led with Excellence (Psalm 78:72)

Leaders must produce excellence through others, which is often a very difficult thing to do. David did this by setting the example and modeling for those he led by leading with excellence himself. He promoted excellence in Israel because he led with “skillful hands.”

David demonstrated that he was a competent and effective leader through his actions and behaviors. Our hearts guide our hands. David led with skillful hands because he “shepherded with integrity of heart.”

Leaders who want their organizations to achieve excellence and effectiveness must first examine the quality and character of their hearts. We must remember that the quality and effectiveness of any organization depends on the quality and effectiveness of its leaders.

Discussion Questions:

1. In what areas do you need to improve as a leader?
2. In what areas (ministries, programs, etc.) is your church/organization demonstrating excellence and effectiveness? Where are some areas that could be improved?
3. As a leader, how can you help foster an attitude of excellence in others?