We’re on the same team, and I’m glad. So, let’s not compare ourselves to one another or compete with one another.

It’s a real discipline to learn how to be around other churches constantly without beginning to compare. Many pastors are preoccupied privately with what others are doing–whether it’s someone or some church they look up to, or a fellow church in their community. Some view those churches as competitors–though they would rarely admit so.

At some point, most church leaders will have at least a moment when they get tired of hearing about the throngs baptized at the church down the street–or the brilliant idea someone else had that garnered the community’s attention. We’ll get tired of it because it usually happens when things are flat-lined for us.

Please hear me:

Comparing yourself to others is a zero sum endeavor.