Here’s the email I wrote for leaders in our church on Wed, 3/13:
As we continue moving through the chapters from Dangerous Calling that go along with sessions 1 and 2 of the DVD, we move ahead to Chapter 10, “Mediocrity.” The big point here is that mediocrity in our service of ministry is a sign of our awe of God. Yes, much of this chapter is addressed to me, the primary teaching pastor who, quite simply, must prioritize the preaching of the Word and fight against all the things that would distract me from it, but there are also applications for each of you.
Tripp writes, “Mediocrity is not a time, personnel, resource or location problem. Mediocrity is a heart problem. We have lost our commitment to the highest levels of excellence because we have lost our awe. Awe amnesia is the open door that admits mediocrity. Awe of God is fear-producing, inspiring, motivating, convicting, and commitment-producing. There is no replacement for this in the leadership of the church of Jesus Christ.” And the remedy, again, is “…run in humble confession to your Savior and embrace the grace that has the power to rescue you from you and, in so doing, to give you back your awe.” “Run to your Redeemer. Bask in his glorious grace. Seek the forgiveness and empowerment that only he can give. And commit yourself, by his grace, to the disciplines of excellence that will only ever happen as he rescues you from you and gives you back your awe once again.”
The challenge for most of us is that we’re more committed to our jobs or work than to the church. This is reflected in mediocrity. What we wouldn’t dream of doing in our work (failing to return a phone call or email, taking care of our responsibilities, working in accordance with our job title) easily happens in our ministry in the local church. And, what Tripp is getting at, is that this is an issue of your heart. So, maybe reflect on your ministry practices at Crestview. Have you drifted into mediocrity? Run to Christ and find the forgiveness He offers so that you can respond with excellence once again.