You’re Only as Good as Your Last Show

When I worked in TV news, I learned the mantra “You’re only as good as your last show.” Translation: “You may have produced a great show last week, but if you screwed up last night’s show who cares about last week’s winner?”

I thought of this mantra when I went to Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas for a second time. I was blown away. The new sanctuary of the giga-church features a $3.4 million stained glass window. I had heard about it and wanted to see it.

The sanctuary and music were a feast for my senses. An orchestra, 140-member choir and soloists delighted my ears. A baby was baptized and we celebrated new life together. And Rev. Adam Hamilton’s sermon was relevant and stimulating. He even answered the question, “Why go to church?” in his sermon.

I write this to remind you of the importance of always being on your game. I have seen many churches and organizations be great one week and not-so-great other days. This is especially true during the pandemic, when we can choose to go to whatever church we want to online. Make sure your audio and video are professional. That’s what people expect now.

In nonprofits, volunteers sometimes plan events without coordination with the development department. Major donors and the organization’s leadership may not be recognized. Key messages may not be delivered. Those used to sophisticated events will have a diminished view of your organization.

In churches, especially those with rotating speakers, inconsistency inhibits growth. People shopping for churches—your visitors—are looking for what makes you different from all the other churches. You believe in your church and what you have to offer. Are you demonstrating why someone should join you every single Sunday?

The stained-glass window got me in the door at Church of the Resurrection. Rev. Adam Hamilton told the Kansas City Star he has fielded many questions about the expense of the three-story window and the $81 million building project. He told the Star that over the next 100 years the church will give back to Kansas City and the world 60 to 80 times the cost of the building. He may be right. I want to go back.