Why Comparison is a Church Killer

Comparison is a Church killer, period. I think it’s ironic that we’ll preach messages in our churches about the body of Christ having unique parts, gifts and abilities but copy each other and chase after sameness. Comparisons are killing the movement of the Gospel and hurting churches and their staff. Healthy biblical leadership avoids comparisons and simply chases after following God and being the best you that God wants you to be. Below are 4 core issues that comparing your church to other churches directly affects.

Identity

You weren’t created or called to be anybody but you, and your church has been set in a unique community with unique issues at a unique time, with a unique leader who has unique gifts and abilities. God has called you to be uniquely you. Comparison will subtly lead you to move away from the unique identity God has called your church to.

Innovation

Comparison can thwart innovation. Many Pastors seem to value mimicking one another over prayerfully discovering and following the unique vision that God has for their church. It’s one thing to discover best practices and the wisdom that comes from transferring principles. But copying ministry is not only lazy but it short circuits innovations that will lead to the spread of the Gospel.

Generosity

Comparison actually fuels a spirit of competition and inward focus. Instead of thinking about others first you begin to think about yourself, your kingdom, and how your decisions can get you where you want to go. This kind of attitude is in direct conflict with a spirit of generosity that the Gospel compels us to move towards.

Humility

When we compare ourselves to other churches and begin to realize that God is doing something unique and special at our churches there is a tendency for pride to creep in and for us to begin to take a bit of the credit. Scripture is clear that God resists the proud. That’s not the side of things I want to be on, how about you?

What else have you seen comparing churches lead to? What would you add to or take off the list? Leave a comment.