One of the best ways to foster teamwork in the Church is for leaders to be an example of a team player. The qualities they see demonstrated in us set the tone. Of course, we can only say, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). What Christ-like traits enable leaders to be team players?
Christ-Like Traits That Make Church Leaders Effective Team Players
Following Jesus’ example involves more than imitating His ways. We also need His heart qualities which ready us to follow His ways. So, let’s look at Christ-like traits that enable leaders to be team players.
Humility:
Jesus, God come in the flesh, humbled Himself in coming to earth as a man but also in dying for us. He, “… being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage” (Phil. 2:6-8). This is how we should relate with others (Phil. 2:5). If we back up to the first four verses in Philippians, we see traits found in effective teams.
Integrity:
We need pure motivations, intentions, and ambitions that come from being holy as He is holy (1 Pet. 1:15). We don’t manipulate team members, or play politics, in order to accomplish our agendas.
Love:
What a difference it makes when we “walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us” (Eph. 5:2). Agape love demonstrates itself in patience and kindness with those who lag behind or try to push the limits. It doesn’t keep record of their wrongs to use against them later. Take time to read 1 Corinthians 13 for more traits of Christ-like love.
Perseverance:
Sometimes teams don’t function as they should. It’s hard to push forward when others clearly aren’t ready. Though discouragement could easily set in, we keep going with our eyes set on the big picture, like Jesus did as He endured the cross and all that led up to it (Heb. 12:2).
Self-control:
We may be tempted to quarrel or let our tempers flare, especially when others are clearly wrong and won’t budge. Ephesians 4:26 exhorts us, “in your anger do not sin”. To be like Jesus, we need self-control, a fruit of the Spirit, so like Him, we don’t sin when tempted.
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
- Christ-like Traits Enable Leaders to be Team Players