A few months ago, I heard something from our pastor that I haven’t been able to shake.

He asked, “If our church moved out of this neighborhood, would the neighbors rejoice that we’re gone, or would they cry out for us to stay?”

It’s a tough question for a church to ask—but an even harder one for us to ask as individuals.

Still, it’s a powerful question to assess the impact we’re making in our current environments. Are we making a difference that others can feel? Are we leaving ripples in the spaces we occupy? If we stepped away—whether from a role, a place, or a community—would people be relieved, or would they feel our absence?

If we moved out of our neighborhood, would our neighbors miss us, or would life go on as if we were never there?

If the school we attend closed its doors, would the community notice?

If we stopped coaching a team, would the players care?

If players left a team, would their absence be felt?

If we stepped down from a nonprofit board, would our voice be missed?

If we stopped serving at church, would it make a difference?

If we stopped volunteering, would anyone notice?

If we stopped attending a Bible study, would it matter?

You can ask this question in nearly any setting.

Ultimately, what kind of impact are we making in the spaces we occupy?

This isn’t about leading loudly, making noise, or throwing hype parties. It’s about the energy we bring, the ideas we nurture, and the solutions we offer to better the communities we’re part of.

Are we adding to the problems, or helping to solve them? Are we building relationships that are meaningful and lasting?

At the end of the day, be great where your feet are—every day.

Checkout The Coach’s Praybook: A 40-Day Guide To Lifting Up Your Team in Prayer on Amazon and make sure you read the latest blog from Kevin Vanderwal here!