Embrace Imperfect

We all want to be part of the perfect ministry and to be the perfect leader. But perfect isn’t possible. And an overemphasis on this impossible standard will begin to destroy our ability to lead effectively.

Still, there’s something about high-capacity leaders in ministry . . . We still reach for perfection. And at times, it feels like our role as believers is even pushing us toward perfection. Consider the verses that say, “Be holy, because I am holy,” found in both the Old and the New Testament (Lev. 19:2; 1 Pet. 1:16). Doesn’t that feel like a call to perfection?

Well, yes, technically, but we also know that we were freed from perfection because Jesus gave his perfection to us. So for our purposes, holiness is about being set apart for the work of God. It’s not about us being perfect. It’s about embracing Jesus’s perfection.

When you’re willing to embrace imperfection, your leadership can flourish. You can increase your leadership capacity by embracing the following truths:

1. Ministry is imperfect.

2. Your leadership is imperfect.

3. Your team is imperfect.

Now, don’t make the mistake of thinking these truths are a reason for celebrating incompetence or mediocrity. There is power in pursuing excellence. The distinction that’s being made here is between perfection and constant improvement. If you strive for perfection, you’ll never hit it and you’ll always be frustrated. But when the goal is improvement, you will be able to witness progress and then you’ll have something worth celebrating.

Allow for mistakes. Then use them as a chance to get better with your team. Don’t celebrate the mistake; rather, celebrate the opportunity the imperfection presents: a chance to learn and grow.

Jesus doesn’t want a perfect church; otherwise, he’d do everything himself. Jesus chose flawed people to partner with him, to grow through his teachings, and to accomplish the extraordinary.