Last week, my church, the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), concluded its flagship Greater Works Conference.
It was more than just an event. It was a masterclass in excellence, from the seamless organisation to the energy of the volunteers to the precision in timing and execution. Everything flowed as if it had been rehearsed for months. As I watched, one thought kept running through my mind: How does the Church maintain this level of excellence year after year?
As someone passionate about the growth and sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises, I could not help but draw a comparison. Businesses, especially in Africa, often rise quickly but fade just as fast. Yet the Church has endured for over 2,000 years, growing stronger with each generation. What lessons are hidden in plain sight?
From the dusty roads of Jerusalem to the busy streets of Accra, the Church has survived persecution, political change, cultural shifts, and even pandemics. Still, it stands firm. The answer lies not only in divine purpose but also in practical principles that any serious business can learn from.
Let’s explore them together.
1. Start Small but Think Big
When ICGC began in 1984, it met in a classroom with only a few people. There was no grand building, no large choir, and no big budget. What they did have was a clear vision and an unshakable belief in the future.
Business lesson: Do not despise humble beginnings. It is not the size of your start that matters, but the clarity of your purpose. Businesses that begin with excellence and a long-term mindset grow with wisdom and strength.
2. Build on a Shared Vision and Values
The Church is more than an organization; it is a community bound by shared beliefs. In ICGC, the mission statement, Raising Leaders, Shaping Vision, Influencing Society, is not simply painted on a wall. It is lived out in the way members serve, give, and lead.
Business lesson: A strong vision is the heartbeat of any successful enterprise. When your team understands and believes in why you exist, they will give more than their time. They will give their heart. And when values like integrity, excellence, and service are at the core, the business can withstand any storm.
3. Shape a Strong and Positive Culture
The Church thrives because it has a clear culture. There is a rhythm of worship, learning, giving, and fellowship. Teachings are consistent, and the community understands what is expected.
Business lesson: Every business has a culture, whether you create it intentionally or not. Decide what you want yours to be. Let it be defined by quality, consistency, respect for customers, and openness to innovation. A strong culture is like the invisible glue that keeps your team together.
4. Structure for Growth
From the top leadership to the smallest local fellowship, ICGC runs with clear systems. There are processes for managing finances, training leaders, and expanding into new areas. Everyone knows their role, and accountability is part of the DNA.
Business lesson: Informality is one of the biggest threats to business growth. Create structure early. Define responsibilities, document your processes, and build systems that can run even when you are not in the room. Structure brings order, and order creates space for growth.
5. Prepare for the Next Generation of Leaders
ICGC is not built around one person. Leaders are constantly being trained, mentored, and empowered to take the vision further. This is why the church continues to grow even after decades.
Business lesson: Think beyond yourself. Who will lead your company when you are no longer there? Who understands the vision deeply enough to carry it forward? Leadership succession does not happen by chance; it happens through deliberate planning and mentoring.
Final Reflection
The Church has survived for over 2,000 years because it combines spiritual purpose with practical wisdom. Your business might not preach sermons, but it can preach excellence, service, and innovation in its own way.
If the Church can thrive through persecution, political upheavals, pandemics, and poverty, your business can thrive too. But it will require deliberate effort.
Start small but think legacy.
Build a vision bigger than profit.
Shape a culture your team loves to be part of.
Create structure and order.
Prepare the next leaders today.
The principles are timeless, and the results speak for themselves. What is built on truth, order, and purpose will stand when everything else falls.