Last week, Ron and I, along with five other couples, had the privilege of touring the Chick-fil-A Support Center in Atlanta. From the moment you drive onto the property, you notice the attention to excellence paid to every small detail: manicured lawns, lush plants, crystal-clear windows, shining floors, and even sweet-smelling restrooms. Smiles brighten the faces of happy employees, who feel greatly valued by the way they are treated. This helps to enhance their peaceful, productive family atmosphere. At every turn, there is a reminder of the brand’s mission and purpose. It doesn’t take long to realize that every detail is entrusted to someone. Everyone has a specific role, and everyone seems happy to do their part. Jobs and employees appear well-matched. It’s their pleasure to work there! This culture extends to every location.
Though Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A, passed away in 2014, his office at the Atlanta headquarters remains unchanged. On his desk sits a small framed picture of two businessmen about to shake hands after closing a deal. Standing beside one of them is Jesus, shaking the hand of the other man. After learning so much about Truett, I have to believe he imagined Jesus being involved in every deal.
“A good name is better to be chosen than great riches.” (Proverbs 22:1) This verse, chosen in grammar school by Truett with the help of his mom, was selected as the class verse of the week. It stayed with him throughout the years as his small café grew into an international enterprise.
The Cathy family successfully inherited the mantle of Truett (just as Elisha did for Elijah) in “double portion” form. In 2024, even while staying committed to the “Closed on Sundays” decision made years ago, average sales in the US reached $22.7 billion. Chick-fil-A has expanded both nationally and internationally.
To operate a Chick-fil-A, one must demonstrate a commitment to the brand’s culture, uphold a strong work ethic, and lead by example. Above all, the integrity of the product (the food!) must be maintained. If the food isn’t good, nothing else matters.
At the entrance to the main building, you’ll see Truett Cathy’s purpose engraved in bronze. It reads, “Corporate Purpose: to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.” His display of faithful stewardship started with the employees God entrusted to him. I was touched by the large bronze statue of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, placed prominently beneath a beautiful cantilever staircase in the center of the building. What moved me most was the fact that it was Truett’s employees who presented the statue to him. What a powerful testament to faithfully and generously stewarding those entrusted to you!
As we moved from one building to another, I couldn’t help but compare the Chick-fil-A culture to that of the church. It makes me smile when I see churches in different locations filled with people who genuinely enjoy coming together as a family. They show kindness to newcomers as well as to existing members. They can easily recognize newcomers because they’ve often enjoyed the company of the regulars. Folks there greet you with a smile and look for ways to be of service. They have discovered their gifts and use them to create an atmosphere of excellence, right down to the freshly brewed coffee and sweet-smelling restrooms! The leadership in these churches is committed to the culture, upholds a strong work ethic, and leads by example. It seems their pleasure comes from being servant leaders.
Strong churches like that don’t stay confined within the walls of a building. They understand that being faithful stewards must extend to the spouses and children they’ve been entrusted with. They make following Jesus their top priority, so their mantle of faith will affect generations to come. Like Truett Cathy said, “It’s better to build boys (and girls) than to mend men (and women).” Faithful stewardship should also extend into the workplace and beyond. Christian men and women who incorporate Jesus into all their decisions glorify God and give the church a good reputation.
Most importantly, Jesus, the Bread of Life, should be at the top of every church’s menu. If He isn’t the most essential item, then nothing else matters. Jesus is the common ingredient that unites all believers in every church and location. Having Him call all the shots creates an environment and culture for hungry souls that says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8)
So, thank you, Chick-fil-A, for providing such a valuable model of success. We know, it’s your pleasure!
