In using Philippians 2 for some Essential Team Building Components, we’ve already noted that:
1) Teams must be in alignment with God’s purposes if we’re going to be like-minded (Phil. 2:1-2). Trying to build a team around our own agendas isn’t a high enough reason. It’s not about bringing people into agreement with one another but with God.
2) Team members must function interdependently, not independently. Everyone looks out for the interests of the others (Phil. 2:3-4). Trying to build a team without valuing and looking out for each and every member will weaken the whole, rendering it less effective.
If we continue on in Philippians 2 to verses 5-8 we must add that:
3) Teams must exercise Christ-like character toward one another in order to have the humility and servant heart needed to lay aside personal agendas and lone ranger attempts.
Christ-like Character Needed in Team Building
Philippians 2:5 begins, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” He is our model, our example, for healthy relationships. Hence, Christ-like character must be exercised if we’re going to have effective teams.
Two particular qualities Jesus exhibited, seen in Philippians 2, will go a long way in team building:
- Servanthood
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant … (Phil. 2:6-7)
- Humility
… being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! (Phil. 2:7-8)
If we’re going to bring these Christ-like qualities into team-building, keep in mind that it begins with an attitude (“have the same mindset as Christ Jesus”) but ultimately shows itself in practical, tangible ways.
You’ll find some input about each of these traits in the Steering the Church Toward Christ-like Character Leadership Guide, along with other lessons we can learn from Jesus about team building.
For More on These Topics:
All Posts about Team Building:
- Essential Team Building Components
- Team Building by Aligning with God’s Purposes
- Team Building by Functioning Interdependently
- Team Building by Exercising Christ-like Character
- Team Building Leads to being on Mission Together
- Team Building Pulling on God’s Power
- Power to Function as a Team Because of the Gospel
- The Difference God’s Power Makes in Functioning as a Team
- Power to Function as a Team Because of Grace
- Power to Function as a Team Because of the Holy Spirit
- Power to Function as a Team When Praying Together
- Power to Function as a Team Because of Spiritual Gifts
- Perspective to Function as a Team
- A Reliable Means of Equipping Us for Teamwork
- Biblical Principles for Functioning as a Team
- Be an Example of a Team Player
- Rise Above Dysfunctional Team Issues
- Power in His Name to Function as a Team