As leaders, we look for ways to achieve excellence in the workplace. As Christians, we meditate upon God’s principles for living in every area of our lives. Practicing a full-time ministry vocation and working with church staff and volunteers presents a specific set of challenges and opportunities. We can dig into leadership podcasts and books all we want. But remember, the Word of God presents us with an incredible wealth of wisdom for workplace excellence.
As the new year approaches, don’t hesitate to craft a fresh start and focus for your team. Whether interviewing candidates who will join the mission or providing feedback to current employees and volunteers, January can be a great time to hit the refresh button on Biblical principles that should be guiding the way you lead your team. Use these scriptures and talk through how you and your team can apply this to your day-to-day. In this way, you can bring your work to a higher level of excellence and Christlikeness.
1. Colossians 3:23: A Workplace Scripture to Encourage Hard Work
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23, ESV)
We may be leaders, but our ultimate “boss” is the Lord. We must be careful to honor those He has put in authority in our lives, and to work hard, knowing that He sees every deed, thought, and motivation! Encourage your team to work unto the Lord, as an offering of love and service to Him. Don’t forget to do the same!
2. Proverbs 16:3: A Workplace Scripture to Trust God with Your Efforts
“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
The Lord cares about how you spend your days. He takes an interest in helping your endeavors see the light of success. Spend time in prayer and contemplation before the Lord. Ask him to lead you to execute each project with His wisdom and strategy.
3. Proverbs 16:11: A Workplace Scripture to Promote Fairness
“A just balance and scales are the LORD’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.” (Proverbs 16:11, ESV)
When you encourage employees to be honest in their dealings, they are proud of what they do and create a reputation of Christlikeness that will cause your church to shine. Conduct even the most intimate, hidden matters of church business and dealings with pure motives and fairness. Your team will respect you for your integrity, as they are encouraged to do, and stand up for, what is right.
4. 1 Corinthians 15:58: A Workplace Scripture to Inspire Faithfulness
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
While ideas and new beginnings are exciting creative stimuli for your church and team, staying the course is the mark of balanced maturity. Creating a culture of safety and steady faithfulness will be a blessing to the souls who enter the kingdom and become a part of your congregation. Your team should have a strong focus on maintaining the fortitude that causes your church to be stable and strong.
5. Proverbs 14:23: A Workplace Scripture to Motivate Follow-Through
“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” (Proverbs 14:23, ESV)
Too much talking about ideas and too little execution can lead to a lack of follow-through. Whether speaking of your team culture or even evaluating employee performance, it’s essential to remember and remind your team members if they forget, of the common goal and nose-to-the-grindstone hard work that must be done if we are going to reach it. Projects and productivity will not happen if we only talk, and an employee’s paycheck will not increase to their satisfaction if their words and ideas are not put into action! Care about your team enough to not let this be the reason that their kingdom impact and personal compensation are anything less than excellent.
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