Second, teams accomplish more than individuals working separately.
This principle is taught all through Scripture. When there are more hands working, more can be accomplished. One example of this is found in Ecclesiastics 4:9-12, where we’re told that two are better than one, and a rope of three cords is hard to break. Another example of teams accomplishing more than individuals is in Nehemiah, where people worked by groups or families.
In the New Testament, Jesus sent people out by two to minister (Mark 6:7). Paul, in Acts 24, specifically mentions seven people who are part of his ministry team.
This mutual encouragement is vital to your ministry because you’re NOT just working on well-meaning projects: You are in a spiritual battle, carrying the most important message the lost world will ever hear! The devil wants to defeat you, and one of his favorite tools is discouragement. That’s why you need a team working with you, whether you’re a senior pastor over a large staff or the only paid staff member at the church.
Third, a strong team is not threatened by disagreement.
Remember, there are two essentials to teamwork, a common goal and good communication. In order to have good communication, people have to be willing to express their opinions no matter how different they are from everyone else’s.
Peter Drucker says, if only one side is being presented in a discussion, then THINKING is not taking place. So, if the people on your team are not coming up with more than one opinion on a particular item, then chances are not a lot of thinking is taking place. Or maybe they ARE thinking, but they’re AFRAID to express their opinions.
You need to create a team environment where people are not afraid to say something stupid, where they are not afraid to make a mistake. And you need to make sure you are not threatened by disagreement.
Finally, let me leave you with some characteristics of an effective team, borrowed from the book The Human Side of Enterprise by Douglas MacGregor. He says:
- A good a team is comfortable, relaxed and informal in their atmosphere.
- Everyone participates in discussions.
- The task is well-defined and accepted by team members.
- Members REALLY listen to each other.
- On a good team, critical suggestions are made without personal attack.
- Members are free to express feelings and not just ideas.
- Everything is out in the open, with no hidden agendas.
- Clear assignments are made and accepted.
- Leadership shifts depending on the circumstance.
