Success vs. Excellence

I have been listening to a tape of a class that I took years ago at a workshop. The class was taught by a man named Richard Rogers and was entitled Pursuit of Excellence. I thought I would share some of what I learned from this first lesson.

Success has to do with wealth, power and prestige. Churches are dying today of success or mediocrity. Success breeds mediocrity. A church that is looking for success is probably looking at externals such as: What kind of building do we have (or want), "who" is our preacher? "who" are we reaching to (as in, is it somebody important)? Success driven churches also view the church as an organization instead of a family. We must know the symptoms of a success seeking church to avoid moving in that direction.

Excellence is simplicity, servanthood and surrender or humility. Excellence is doing God's will. Efficient committed, creative, productive. God is the source and supplier of all excellence. The source of, as well as example of holiness is God. Philippians 4:8 is he verse the encompasses excellence. WHATEVER keeps you from the things listed in that verse - GET RID OF IT OR THEM! WHATEVER, it is.

If you are striving for EXCELLENCE you are not of this world.

Philippians 4:8 NIV

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.