We need a team perspective.

In my opinion, biblical truth aligns perfectly with the team perspective. For example, in Ecclesiastes 4, we read that,

• “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” (4:9-10a)

The success of a team approach has been proven to me time and time again. Keeping in mind, that being part of a team is still hard work.

And here’s 5 reasons why:

1. Wins are not always guaranteed.

There will always be times of struggle, where outside pressures test the team. When the tough losses come, what happens then? I believe the above verses will stand. If the team remains united together in prayer and encouragement, they’ll be able to roll through and learn together.

2. Personal struggles are real.

What if the struggle comes from inside the team? The team begins to break down. Personal struggles can lead to huge losses. Personal struggles can bring painful heartache to the team and in turn, the entire ministry.

I want to make sure that I don’t paint an inaccurate picture of my past actions and behaviours. Just because I write a blog on Biblical leadership, does not mean I have always acted in accordance with what I believe to be true. I’ve had my fair share of struggles and failures. Mostly, it’s when I’ve tried to do things on my own.

3. Remember the team perspective.

In the beginning, it may seem easier to do it on our own, but that’s just not reality. It moves us from a team perspective to a solo race, where everyone loses. We need to remind ourselves of that fact, keeping the team perspective at the forefront. If you’re a member of a quality team, our team members often respond in grace.

Thankfully, the ministry teams that I have been a part of have given me grace when I have failed. They have made me a better leader, despite the struggles and losses that I have personally brought to the table.

4. Bring in quality players.

• Have you been trying to sustain your ministry without outside help or accountability?
• Did you start with a great team, but somehow moved from a team leader or a team player to a dictator?
• Are your team members and the people they serve starting to move on to other ministries?
• Or maybe worse, are they moving on to other churches?

It’s time to revisit Ecclesiastes 4! Read through to the end of verse 10. You’ll see that it holds a haunting promise to those of us who ignore a team perspective.

• “But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” (Ec. 4:10b)

Regardless of the challenges you face, bring in quality people to share the load now. And “quality people” doesn’t mean people who always agree with you.

5. Admit fault and grow.

It might be time to rethink some previous plans and behaviours. It might be time to admit some failures, in order to obtain regain team perspective. It may be time to accept some of your past wrongs and ask forgiveness, in order to get those past players back on the team. Or perhaps, obtain some new key players?

It’s time for renewal and restoration. It’s time to gain a team perspective before ministry heartache sets in.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• How has a team perspective impacted your church or ministry?