Discovering Your One Excellent Mission

Part 2 of 6: The Road to Renewal

"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. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."—1 Corinthians 12:4–7

A Quick Recap from Part 1

In part 1 we looked at why every church needs to have One Excellent Mission. Many smaller churches are involved in too many ministries to be effective and healthy. The result is that resources and volunteers are stretched too thin and are near exhaustion. When we operate outside of our Spirit-given strengths, we work harder but see little fruit.

With One Excellent Mission, smaller churches are able to focus their limited resources to the areas of ministry they are uniquely gifted for. Clarity brings courage to move forward in the strength of God through the Holy Spirit.

Why “One Excellent Mission” Matters

One of the greatest temptations for smaller churches is to try to do everything. We look at larger churches in our community and believe that if we just had more programs, more ministries, and more events, then our church would grow. But the truth is, God never designed your church to be a copy of someone else’s.

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12 that there are a variety of gifts, but it is the same Spirit who empowers them. Every local church is uniquely knit together by God, carrying within its body the precise gifts and callings needed to fulfill its mission. Not every church is called to be good at everything—but every church is called to be excellent at something.

When a church tries to be good at everything, it often ends up being stretched thin, exhausted, and ineffective. But when a church clarifies and commits to its One Excellent Mission, it moves from survival mode into a life-giving rhythm of purpose and impact. This is not about doing less for the sake of comfort—it’s about doing what God has uniquely called your church to do, and doing it with excellence for His Kingdom. Instead of running on empty, invest where God has already given you strength.

Three Key Questions to Uncover Your Mission

As you discern your church’s One Excellent Mission, gather your leaders and prayerfully wrestle with these questions:

1. Who has God called us to reach?

   Every church has a mission field. It may be young families, the elderly, the unchurched, those in recovery, or the poor and marginalized. Clarity begins with naming the people God has placed in your path.

2. What has God equipped us to do well?

   Look honestly at the spiritual gifts, talents, passions, and resources within your congregation. God has already placed what you need in your midst. Your church’s mission will align with these strengths. You have assets and resources that you probably haven’t recognized.

3. What breaks our heart in this community?

   Often, God directs our mission toward the place where compassion and calling intersect. Pay attention to the needs in your community that stir deep emotion in your people. What felt needs exist in your community that would prompt your congregation to dig deep in their pockets to give or roll up their sleeves and get to work? As I have said many times, “When you find your misery, you find your ministry.”

When these three questions converge—who we are called to reach, what we do well, and what breaks our hearts—you begin to see the outline of your church’s unique mission.

The Freedom of Focus

Discovering your One Excellent Mission doesn’t confine your church; it frees you. It allows you to say “no” to good things so that you can say “yes” to the best things. It channels your people, your resources, and your energy into Kingdom impact rather than burnout.

When a church embraces its unique DNA, it stops competing with others and starts complementing the wider Body of Christ. Each congregation becomes a vital expression of God’s work on earth—different, but equally necessary.

Reflection Questions for Discovering Your Church’s One Excellent Mission

1. When we look at our church’s history, where have we seen God’s greatest fruitfulness? What are we known for?

2. What are the spiritual gifts, passions, and resources that God has uniquely placed within our congregation?

3. Where do we sense God’s Spirit stirring us to step forward in faith—even if it feels small?

4. What needs in our community move our people with compassion and urgency?

5. If we had to describe our church’s unique contribution to the Kingdom in one sentence, what would it be?

The Road Ahead

Remember: God doesn’t ask your church to do everything. He asks you to be faithful with the gifts He’s given.

When you focus on your One Excellent Mission, you create a culture of clarity, passion, and sustainability. That’s the foundation for renewal.

Next Step

Discovering your church’s One Excellent Mission is not something you need to figure out alone. I’d love to come alongside you in this journey. I offer one free hour of consulting to help you and your leaders take your first steps toward clarity and Kingdom impact.

Connect with me at smallchurchcoaching.com to schedule your free session today.