Leadership Lessons From Chic-Fil-A
This past Friday I took some time to sort of relax…notice I said sort of! I had made plans to go horseback riding with a friend and was running a little late. So…because I am a freak about being on time I made the decision to eat lunch “on the go” and pulled into the Chic-fil-a drive thru.
I almost turned around, I mean, the line was wrapped completely around the building. I knew that there was no way I could get a chicken sandwich and some sweet tea (the drink of angels) and still be on time—but nonetheless, I held my ground & placed my order.
Amazing—I was literally through the massive line in less than 3 minutes—it was one of the coolest things ever…and yes, I was on time to my appointment to ride horses. (Another story for another time.)
While on my way to ride horses…AND all weekend I have been thinking about Chic-fil-a and some lessons I think the church can learn from this organization. I have been eating at Chic-fil-a for quite a few years now—and they’ve got some things working for them that I think the church should grab a hold of.
#1 - They Keep Things Simple
What is Chic-fil-a known for? Uh, one guess…think about it…did you say CHICKEN? Ding ding ding—we have a winner!
You can’t go to Chic-fil-a if you want a hot dog…well, I guess technically you COULD…but you would leave disappointed. They don’t have a very large menu selection, which enables them to do a few things well instead of trying to be “everything to everyone.”
The church should apply the same. I believe there are many churches trying to maintain programs that at one time WERE very affective—many lives WERE changed—BUT what may have worked 30 years ago may not work today. However, the mistake that many of us make as church leaders is that instead of getting rid of things we add to our plate—and our “ministry menu” looks so large—and we are doing a lot of things—but really doing none of them well.
One of the things we are striving for here at NewSpring is the simplicity of ministry. We KNOW that we cannot do everything well—and so we say no a lot more than we say yes to certain programs and/or ideas…and not because we don’t care—but because we do care and it is our desire to honor Jesus Christ in the best way possible by providing an excellent ministry environment.
#2 - They Stick To Their Convictions
You know what I love…AND HATE…about Chic-fil-a? They are not open on Sunday! (Just being honest!) There are Sunday’s when I long for a chicken sandwich from there—but I can’t get one, not until Monday.
I remember hearing the story of when Chic-fil-a was negotiating with shopping malls to open up within the mall and one of the stipulations was that they had to be open on Sunday. The leadership didn’t really have a decision to make—they had convictions…and were willing to walk away from the opportunity that the malls were giving them because it would have meant going against what they felt was right.
The malls realized they needed Chic-fil-a and backed down…and so we can now shop till we drop and refresh ourselves at the little sample stand outside of the restaurant. (Come on, you know you’ve snatched a nugget or two!)
If a church is going to be able to maintain ministry in today’s society then the leadership is going to have to have a clear vision of what the church will and will not do—and be able to stick by that vision—no matter what.
It is my conviction that God’s word never changes…and I have an incredible high view of Scripture…but the methods used to communicate His word often change. We will never compromise Scripture here—that is one of our core values—but we will always be willing to use whatever methods it takes to reach people.
One note on this before moving on…Chic-fil-a has often received criticism about this aspect of the way they operate—but it has not dettered them at all. You cannot let criticism derail your vision—ask God to light your heart on fire—to fill you with His vision…and stick to it no matter what.
#3 - Things Are Always Very Clean
I never NEVER been into a nasty Chic-fil-a—EVER. The restrooms are always nice—the floors always look like they have just been mopped—despite the tons of traffic they get…they manage to keep things nice and neat.
We can REALLY use this lesson! I have this deal on Sunday’s that when I am walking into the building we are renting and I see a piece of paper on the ground—I pick it up. When I go to the restroom and I see a paper towel on the floor—I pick it up. People, especially the unchurched, want to come into a clean environment.
At NewSpring we have an incredible team of people who show up early each and every Sunday to sweep, to mop, to vacuum—to make sure that the worship environment is as clean as possible…and it does make a difference.
And let me say this before moving on…at Chic-fil-a I have NEVER seen a dirty area for kids—it’s always clean—and that matters. It breaks my heart when I hear of churches who place their children in some damp, dirty room with people who are there because someone made them feel guilty about not working with kids (and we wonder why many kids hate church.)
If a church is serious about reaching the lost and unchurched—one of the BEST things they can do is make sure the children’s area is both clean and safe. The only people who will tolerate less than perfect conditions for their children are parents who grew up in those same conditions and are completely unaware that other options exist.
#4 - The People Are Always Friendly
Maybe you have had a different experience…but I don’t think I have ever met a rude person at Chic-fil-a. From what I have seen—they always have a smile on their face—and say “thank you.”
I always tell churches that one of the best things you can have for your church is have a team of people who great others on Sunday’s. Who stand outside—even when it is cold and rainy—and say things like, “good morning,” and, “good to see you!” Trust me—this makes a difference.
I remember visiting a church once and this little old dude sort of shoving a worship guide in my hands and not smiling at me…I actually said “good morning” to him…and he gave me a dirty look! I thought, “if I were unchurched—THAT would be the ONLY excuse I needed to not come back here.” And those who are interested in reaching the unchurched—you know that is the way they think.
Those are a few of the things I noticed—if you have visited Chic-fil-a recently and noticed a lesson or two—let me know!