Playing to Win—But How?

Rethinking the Drive to Succeed for Christian Leaders

I have found myself saying frequently over the past few years that the point of building a great team is not having a great team; it is winning. Teams are assembled to win.

There’s something in us that wants to “win”. Maybe leaders feel this in particular way. They’re driven to succeed. But in the church and ministry world, this desire cannot simply be baptized because it’s “for the glory of God”.

We must ask what “winning” actually means in the Kingdom of God.

The New Testament urges us toward a prize, toward a crown.

“Don’t you know that all the runners in the stadium run, but only one gets the prize? So run to win. Everyone who competes practices self-discipline in everything. The runners do this to get a crown of leaves that shrivel up and die, but we do it to receive a crown that never dies. So now this is how I run—not without a clear goal in sight. I fight like a boxer in the ring, not like someone who is shadowboxing. Rather, I’m landing punches on my own body and subduing it like a slave. I do this to be sure that I myself won’t be disqualified after preaching to others.”— 1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭24‬-‭27‬ ‭(CEB‬‬)

But prizes and crowns are not given because of the size of one’s ministry or church; nor are they awarded for the speed at which a ministry or a church grows. No, in the Kingdom of God, unlike in some athletic competitions, it is not size or speed that wins. Rather it is those who stay. The one who lasts wins.

Paul says, “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. At last the champion’s wreath that is awarded for righteousness is waiting for me. The Lord, who is the righteous judge, is going to give it to me on that day. He’s giving it not only to me but also to all those who have set their heart on waiting for his appearance.” — 2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭(CEB‬‬)

James writes, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

‭‭In John’s vision, he hears Jesus himself say, “ ‘Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.’ ” (‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬) And again to the church in Philadelphia, Jesus says, “ ‘I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.’ ” (‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

There is a crown. There is a prize. There are those who will win. But how do we win it? By enduring to the end.

It is not how fast you go or how big your grow.

In the Kingdom of God, it is about how long you last.

It is neither speed nor size but staying that counts.

Build your church, build your ministry, build your life in such a way that it lasts.

Build it on Christ as the firm foundation (1 Cor. 3:11).

Build with materials that will not get burned up in the fire (1 Cor. 3:12-14).

Build in the Lord— by His grace and with His power (1 Cor. 15:58).

Ignore the reports of “fastest growing” churches or “largest churches”. Don’t fix your eyes on that prize. Don’t become too obsessed with the numerical metrics of growth.

There is only one goal, only one mark that counts as victory, only one definition of winning: a long obedience in the same direction.