What a "Win" Looks Like

The business world has the concept of "clarifying the win." Make sure the team knows what success looks like, so they'll know that for which to aim. God's ambassador Paul referred to this as hitting the mark, using an archery-related metaphor. Sometimes churches act confused about the "win" or hitting the mark. Is it worship attendance increase? Is it more money in the offering plate? Is it getting more church members? Is it keeping everyone happy?

About a year ago a man made his way to our congregation with no invitation. He was the exception rather than the rule. He came sight unseen to a place in which he knew no one. With a nominal church background at best, and no faith life for years, his life circumstance made him a bold seeker. He came to worship in hope; he did not know for what he hoped. He began to inquire about what a relationship with Christ would mean. He was invited into groups in which he slowly began to experiment with a daily walk with Christ, beginning the process of becoming anchored in the word and experiencing discipleship growth.

In our recent recovery from a devastating ice storm, this man offered his services to help with the clean up, thus demonstrating a servant's heart. In a few weeks, with some fear but with a great deal of faith, he will record his testimony of his faith journey, so it can be seen by all our worship services, and he can begin the process of sharing faith with others. Recently, with tears of joy, he shared with me how the Lord led he and his wife together to take a leap of faith and to tithe.

This man is a "win" for the mission of the Body of Christ. He is hitting the mark. That's the goal; to make people who are committed to Christ, who have a daily walk with Christ, who are anchored in the Word, who experience discipleship growth, who have a servant's heart, who worship, who tithe, and who share faith with others.

May his tribe increase. I'll see you around the next bend in the river.