The Church Is A Results Oriented Organization

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Famed hockey player and coach Wayne Gretzky is famous for saying “You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.”  

That’s true in leadership too.

So often, I’m reticent to take a flyer, to try something big and audacious.  But that’s the only way to accomplish something big and audacious!

This year at Southview we’re stepping out and trying a few new things.  They may fail badly – or they may succeed beyond our hopes.  The only way to know is to step out and take the shot.

I heard a quote the other day from pastor Bill Hybels – “we are a results oriented organization, and we make no apologies for that.” I agree with that – the church IS a results oriented organization!  We have a mission given to us by Jesus, and we are responsible and will be held accountable for how we lead and what we do with that mission.

I think there’s a common perception in churches that we shouldn’t focus on results, that we should just be faithful and keep on keeping on.  I agree with the first part – we should be faithful – but being faithful involves more than just maintaining the status quo.  It involves taking shots that we’re not 100% sure will work! It involves trying new things, being creative, thinking beyond what worked yesterday.  It involves realizing when something isn’t working and stopping or changing it.  It involves evaluating results – and seeking better results.  And none of that just happens; it all requires intentionality.

The church is a results oriented organization, and we should make no apologies for it.  We should constantly be asking “how can we do this better?”  The mission – reaching people with the message of Jesus and helping them grow to maturity in Him – is too important not to.

Do you agree that the church is a results oriented organization?  Why or why not?