The Theology of Excellence

Ministering Where You're Planted

I had the pleasure of attending a night with Justin Earley last week at First Presbyterian Church. I've really enjoyed his writing, having just finished Habits of the Household, and implementing some of the habits in my own home. What happened, however, is that Justin opened with his story and shared this idea of a Theology of Excellence. You see Justin is a full time business lawyer running his own firm in Richmond, and shared how he transitioned from traditional missionary work in China to what I captured in my notes as the "mission field within business." His simple but profound philosophy: whatever I'm going to do, I'm going to do it the best I can.

This isn't about becoming the weird Christian at work who makes everyone uncomfortable with awkward conversations about Jesus, or tries and draw the spiritual parallels of the water jug in the break room somehow always being full. It's about embracing a theology of excellence that recognizes ministry isn't confined to church buildings or seminary graduates. It's understanding that wherever God has planted you, because that's your mission field.

Different Gifts, Same Spirit

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 that ministry takes many forms. "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."

Think about this for a moment. The accountant working with integrity, the teacher investing in students, the mechanic serving customers honestly, or the mom that's forgoing a corporate career to pour her all into shaping her kids - each of these are examples of the Spirit at work. Romans 12:6-8 expands this: "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach."

Paul doesn't limit these gifts to church activities. Your gift might be serving through customer service, writing complex business contracts, teaching through mentoring colleagues, or encouraging through consistent reliability. But here's what's crucial to understand; Paul himself wasn't a trained rabbi when he began his ministry. Neither was Peter, a fisherman who became the rock upon which Christ built his church.

Qualified by Calling, Not Credentials

The religious establishment of Jesus' day was dominated by those with formal training, the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes who had spent years studying under established teachers. Yet Jesus chose fishermen, tax collectors, and tradesmen as his disciples. When the religious leaders saw Peter and John speaking boldly, Acts 4:13 tells us they "realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men" but were astonished by their confidence because "they had been with Jesus."

This doesn't mean education is worthless, far from it, I myself have a degree in Biology. Paul was highly educated, having studied under Gamaliel, one of the most respected teachers of his time. But his credentials didn't qualify him for ministry; his encounter with Christ did. The same is true for us.

Romans 2:11 declares there is no favoritism with God. The CEO and the custodian, the surgeon and the sanitation worker, all have equal dignity and calling before God, even while we might give more credit to one role over the other. You don't need seminary credentials to be in ministry. God doesn't show favoritism to those with degrees over those with trade certifications, to those behind pulpits over those behind desks.

James 3:1 warns us, "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." This isn't about discouraging teaching, it's about understanding the weight of responsibility that comes with formally instructing others in matters of faith. But there's a difference between being a teacher in the formal sense and sharing what God has done in your life through conversation and example.

The Power of Questions and Conversation

Jesus' primary teaching method wasn't lecturing, it was asking questions. "Who do you say I am?" "What do you think?" "Which of these three was a neighbor?" He drew people into conversation, making them think, wrestle, and discover truth for themselves.

This is how ministry often works in our daily lives. It's not about having all the answers or delivering sermons at the water cooler, are those even a thing anymore? I’m honestly not sure as I’m a remote worker…

It's about asking the right questions at the right moments. When a coworker is struggling with a difficult decision, instead of immediately offering advice, you might ask, "What do you think would happen if you approached this with complete integrity?" When someone is going through a hard time, rather than jumping to fix their problems, you might ask, "How are you finding strength to get through this?"

These conversations create space for God to work. They invite people to think beyond their immediate circumstances and consider deeper questions about purpose, meaning, and hope.

Remember, it’s not your job to to “close the deal” thats the Spirits role.

Workers in the Harvest Field

In Matthew 9:35-38, Jesus surveyed the crowds and saw them "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." He told his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

We need more people called to vocational ministry, sure, but we've been too narrow in our interpretation of "workers in the harvest field." The harvest field isn't just the church, it's the marketplace, the classroom, the hospital, the courtroom, the construction site. We don't have enough professional ministers, but we have millions of believers already positioned in every sector of society. Why aren’t we ministering?

Paul's instruction to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15 applies here: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." The worker who doesn't need to be ashamed isn't just the preacher, it's every believer approaching their work with integrity, excellence, and faithfulness.

Excellence as Worship, Not Performance

Jesus' warning in Matthew 6:24 that "no one can serve two masters" often gets misinterpreted as condemnation of business success. But the issue isn't making money, it's what masters you. When our work serves God's purposes of provision, service, and human flourishing, we're not serving money; we're using money to serve God.

Paul's question in Galatians 1:10 about whether we're trying to please people or God applies to our work too. Excellence isn't about impressing bosses for personal gain it's about honoring God through quality efforts.

Here's what I've been mulling over since last week. A theology of excellence recognizes how we work is a form of worship. When we show up consistently, treat people with dignity, pursue improvement in our skills, maintain integrity even when it costs us, serve others through our work, we're living out our calling. We're being salt and light not through awkward evangelistic conversations, but through the quiet testimony of consistent excellence paired with genuine relationships and thoughtful questions.

The beauty of this approach is that it opens doors for deeper conversations naturally. When people see you working with integrity, treating others with respect, and maintaining hope in difficult circumstances, they start asking questions. "How do you stay so positive?" "Where does your peace come from?" "What drives you to work so hard when this place is falling apart?"

These are invitations, not to preach, but to share. To tell your story. To ask questions back that might help them discover what you've discovered.

God has strategically placed believers throughout every industry, every profession, every level of society. You're not there by accident, you're planted there for purpose. Your mission field isn't somewhere you need to travel to, it's where you are Monday through Friday.

Whatever you're going to do, do it the best you can. Not for human applause or personal advancement, but as worship to the God who has gifted you, called you, and planted you exactly where you are.

The harvest is abundant. The workers are needed. And you're already in the field.

In your corner,

Chance

P.S. - Justin if you read this, it was great to shake your hand and tell you a bit out my story after the event. Looking forward to the next time you’re in Orlando!