Do it with Excellence

There is a great verse in the Bible that says, “Whatever you do, do it with all your heart as though you were doing it for the Lord.” (Colossians 3:23) Sadly too often in the past instructions like these haven’t always been followed by churches. At times, in any church, there can be more of an “anything will do” attitude.

In these days of Health and Safety, Public Liability, Child Safety, Discrimination Legislation and Accreditation, each of which can feel like a bit of a pain, it is no longer possible to get away with second rate. However, it’s sad if it takes legislation to prod us into action where these things are concerned. After all this is what Paul exhorted the Colossian (and, by extension, us) to do?

Maybe the reason why we’re willing to accept something that’s not as good is because people have been willing to come along, no matter what.. Unfortunately as a consequence the church has had a bit of a reputation for doing things badly, with little consideration given to the quality of what is offered.

Credibility is hard work

The result is we have our work cut out to be seen as credible, as we seek to respond to the needs around us. If we are to gain favour, or even set up a meeting, with statutory authorities like councils we need to be seen to lead the way where excellence is concerned. We have to build strong relationships with the authorities if we are to achieve credibility and be trusted by the community, and a commitment to excellence helps.       

It is likely that there will be those that are put off as they see the size of the mountain they have to climb to fulfil the requirements these days. If that is how you feel right now don’t be discouraged. Most the legislation and the legislators are not there to stop you but to make sure that you do no harm.

This reminds me of what Paul says in another time and another context about the instructions he received from those in Jerusalem.. “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” (Galatians 2:10). Paul’s response to the request was that he was keen to do the very thing they were now requiring of him. We should be too. If the law is designed to protect people, then we should support the law.

Gaining favour with local authorities

Many churches have discovered (often to their surprise) that the authorities and agencies aren’t looking to hinder them and are only too willing to help them overcome the hurdles. All they are looking for is for the churches to be committed to excellence. Yes, it can be costly, but maybe we should remember the attitude of King David who when retrieving the Ark of the Covenant insisted on paying for its release. “I will not give to God that which cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24)

If we are to do things with excellence it is going to cost us something in terms of finance or inconvenience, or training, or time. But whatever the cost, in the long run it will be worth the price you have paid.

Churches that commit themselves to excellence are being sought out by the local authorities. Some are being asked to take on further responsibility, like the churches in Oban that joined together to start Hope 2 Oban. Their work with local young people has put them in a place of influence in the area. It has become normal for them to be consulted by the authorities if plans are being made to interact with local youth.

There are similar stories across the UK. Lighthouse Church in Anfield, Liverpool  found their work with excluded youngsters was so well regarded that the council approached them to see if they would like to take on new premises and 6.5 acres of land. South Ashford Baptist Church in Kent had such a reputation for excellence in early years work that when the council were required to open a Children’s Centre, they felt they could do no better than to approach the church to run it.

It is not always the case that the authorities make such grandiose gestures and offers but it is more likely if we do one thing well and everything with excellence. Even if we don’t get ‘official’ recognition, we will gain a reputation within the community for being the best in town.

There is a warning that comes with this call to excellence. It takes time to get a good reputation and it takes only a moment to lose it! If you want to be regarded as excellent, you have to work hard and keep on working hard to maintain that status. 

Last Updated 19 May 2009