Sustaining Pastoral Excellence

Excellence is a word that generates an easy discussion. Giving definition to the word, Biblically and theologically, has been a challenge which seems to ignite pastor’s passions. It is the word in the “Sustaining Pastoral Excellence” moniker which reeks with multiple meanings. Whereas the other words in the moniker may conjure up a yawn, this word – excellence – conjures up strong feelings. Some of these feelings are the result of personal history and the association of excellence with perfection, some believe it somehow undermines grace, others opt for something less weighty such as “effectiveness”.

I believe that the Lilly Endowment hung the word “excellence” from the right tower. I Corinthians 12:31 is a dramatic pivot point in a Biblical book filled with emotional swing points as Paul contends for a way of life that is marked with a different pattern. When he pens the words, “And now I will show you a more excellent way”, he pulls the Corinthians towards a way of life. Paul is literally calling the Corinthians into excellence (huperboln - beyond measure, extraordinary quality, surpassing, Abbot-Smith, p.458). This way of life (literally – a way beyond comparison) is highly relational, drilling to the core of our motivations, mindsets, manner of action, and methods. It links our relationship with God and others, becoming the pathway out of which our Christ journey is to be lived. Biblically and theologically this segment of Scripture suggests that,

1. Excellence is measured by who we are and who we are becoming. It is an issue of character. This is the heart of the Christian journey.

2. Excellence is not common, it is extraordinary. As a result it calls for the recognition that there is always room for growth.

3. Excellence is a way of life. We choose to live within patterns that produce uncommon characteristics.

4. Excellence is a relational journey. It is not accidental that Paul chooses to enter his magnificent chapter on love by referring to a more excellent “way” and concludes the chapter by calling the Corinthians to follow the “way” of love (I Corinthians 14:1). More than an endpoint, excellence is a journey – a relational journey. Paul shows us how to enter the journey (I Corinthians 12:31). The movement towards excellence is what matters.

5. Excellence is a grace-filled journey. God’s love, the pattern for our love, (I Corinthians 13:4- forms the net beneath our journey.

Pastoral excellence is a grace-filled relational journey shaping growth and character through a commitment to an uncommon Christ defined life. Pastors are not called to a common life, but an uncommon life skillfully lived. This life is defined by God’s grace and shaped by character, relationship, and commitment – empowering all other aspects of a pastor’s ministry.