Is your church in competition with the big megachurch down the street? Or the new church plant on the other side of town? Or another mainline church that is now offering a contemporary service?

We get the awesome privilege at Fishhook to see how God is at work in a variety of churches. Some of these churches are big, others are small. Some are brand new, others are old. Some are traditional. Some are contemporary. Some are in large cities. Others are suburban or rural. And there are many other details that make churches distinct. It’s very cool to see how God is working through passionate leaders to love and reach people for Christ.

Recently I was talking with a friend. He is a business-minded guy. He was asking about my work ... his wheels were turning ... and then he asked: “Are your clients – all of these churches – in competition with one another? Especially your clients who are located in the same city or even right down the street from one another?” 

I loved his question. It was honest and straightforward. And I think it’s a question that many pastors and church leaders grapple with. 

Are churches in competition with one another?

Is your church in competition with the big megachurch down the street? Or the new church plant on the other side of town? Or another mainline church that is now offering a contemporary service? 

Let’s make it even more personal ... 

When you hear about the impact of another local church, do you feel frustrated, envious or even judgmental of the other church’s perceived success? Do you resent their growth – like a bank, hospital or retailer might resent when another bank, hospital or retailer gains in market share? 

As humans, we want to grow. We want to achieve. We want success. And our preference is that it happen ahead of others – even when the others are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

It’s natural to wrestle with these kinds of questions and feelings. It’s hard to manage our egos. It’s hard to want God’s very best for every part of the body of Christ. (Not just the part of the body where we are leading and serving.) 

Yet we’re called to have this mindset.

“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.” – Romans 12:4-5

And there’s too much at stake. A hurting world awaits. Hopeless people need to learn more about the hope we have.

So church leaders: Who is your competition?

It’s not other churches. Nope. No way. As Christ followers – we’re all connected. Other churches are an extension of your church. We are partners. We are to be encouragers of one another. 

So does the local church have competitors? You bet! In our busy, noisy world, the competition is all the things that keep people spiritually distracted. Demanding work and school schedules. Our kids’ extracurricular activities. Hobbies. Maintaining our homes. Technology. Social media. Sports. Travel. Shopping. Errands. And the list could go on and on.

Ready to communicate in a way that will be noticed? Get people talking? Impact hearts for Christ?

Lead your staff, other leaders at your church and your full congregation to pray for other churches. Look for ways to share resources and explore ways to collaborate for the benefit of both churches, your community and even globally. Genuinely give thanks when other churches are thriving for God’s glory. And mean it.    

As Christ-followers, we’re all connected. Let’s lead and communicate within our churches, communities and online in a way that proves it.

We understand that sometimes leadership can get messy. In October, Evan McBroom shared tips to help you navigate the messy times and communicate clearly, decisively and strategically. Click below to watch the free webinar on-demand! 

October 2015 webinar October 2015 webinar