I recently read an article titled, “6 Qualities of The Teams Paul Built,” by Joe Miller. In this article, the author lifts up six characteristics of teams based on Paul’s ministry in the New Testament. They are: 1. Having a synergy of roles – we don’t need to focus on titles or divisions among people on teams, but the team brings together those with a variety gifts. 2. Consensus leadership – each person on the team has value and is equally important to the success of the team’s work. 3. Trusting teams to make difficult decisions – this is the opposite of micromanagement. 4. Flexibility and interchangeability of team roles. 5. Like Jesus, Paul invested in people who, in turn, invested in other people. 6. Most importantly, we must make sure the direction of the group is in alignment with Christ’s witness and mission in the world.
One thing highlighted on a survey we recently took at the church that I serve, titled, “The Readiness 360 Survey"
was as a potential area for growth in our utilization of “team-based
ministries,” which is different from “lone-ranger ministries.”
I am spending a lot of time thinking and praying about this as we head into the
summer. I know sometimes it is just easier to do something ourselves, but
that also can be very challenging and difficult to sustain. One
recommendation for us on the survey was for ANY ministry to be supported by the
church, it should have a minimum of five people involved. When we invest
in ministries as a group, a synergy and momentum that develops that is greater
than the impact could ever be if it remained in the hands of just one or two
persons.
What successes and challenges have you experienced being a part of team-based ministries?
