Perhaps you can identify with the pastor at First Church who spent the last 6 months working with a small group of members who were interested in developing and implementing an alternative worship service. As members were leaving the sanctuary at the close of the inaugural service, one member said to the pastor, “This was a really fine service this morning, but have you seen how Fellowship Church conducts their alternative worship service?

When the words “yes” and “but” are put together in this order, they become both wobbly and toxic. Yes, we have a fine youth group with excellent leaders, but have you heard about Zion Church’s youth group? Yes, we have one of the finest choirs in the city, but have you heard the choir at Memorial Church?

“Yes, but” is a veiled or indirect way of expressing, “I am comparing us to somebody else, and I like what somebody else does better.” So what do we do when members want to compare our church with the one down the street or across town? Are we in the business of competing with other churches? Should we be in the business of competing with other churches?

What is something your faith community has done to encourage your members to focus on the good things you are doing, rather than trying to keep up with, or compete with, the Joneses’ church? How can you help the people recognize that God is using your faith community in a unique and positive way to minister to the needs of others?