A previous post reminded us that God uses His Word to thoroughly equip us for EVERY good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). That includes how to function as a team. We must therefore look to Scripture for instruction. We need to follow biblical principles for functioning as a team if we are going to truly become the interdependent Body He intends for us to be.
What Biblical Principles Will Equip Us to Function as a Team?
Here we’ll mention five principles that have a biblical basis. Be sure to read what God says in the Scripture references listed. He’s the authoritative means of equipping, not this, or any other, ministry.
- Assess and utilize the unique strengths each member brings to the team and pull on that (personality, spiritual gifts, experience, previous training, etc.).
… It’s not about losing ourselves to gel into a homogenous entity. (1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4:16)
- Accept differences of opinions as a valuable asset, not a liability.
… As we work through differences, we have a greater potential of arriving at what’s best for all. (Phil. 2:1-4)
- Assume attitudes of servanthood.
… Often we will have someone who facilitates the process to keep us on track but we must guard against this person rising to the top in a hierarchical fashion, controlling everything. (Phil. 2:5-8)
- Acknowledge God in all you do.
… We need to pray and worship together so as a team we’re trusting God for direction in all we do, not depending on ourselves. (Prov. 3:6-7)
- Align with the plan and purposes to which you believe God has brought you.
… We must keep it about God, not us. Seeking to align with God over conforming with one another is the greatest deterrent to infighting or letting egos get in the way. (Isa. 48:17)
What Happens When We Follow God’s Ways
When we follow biblical principles, we build the following:
comradeship centered around the Lord, not what we have in common or because we all agree
communication based on honesty, not to appease or avoid conflict or manipulate people to one’s point of view
collaboration aimed at finding what’s best, not merely compromising to fit individuals’ agendas or get something out of it for oneself
This is a team that makes a difference for they have been equipped, through biblical instruction, to adapt for the glory of God and the advancement of His work.
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