While on earth Jesus built a team of disciples to be with Him and work in cooperation with Him. After ascending to heaven, Jesus established the biggest team ever … His Church. Two groups, the Jews and Gentiles, were brought together as one to represent Him to the world.
If we want to aim for Christ-like character in our churches, then we need to learn to function interdependently as a team, as members of one another. If we aren’t exhibiting this team-mentality within our small organizational groups such as boards or committees, can we really expect to see it church-wide?
How Christ-like, Team-Oriented Boards, Committees, or Ministry Teams Function:
Below you will find two traits listed together. If boards or committees function according to the first trait, the second will be more likely to follow. Certain traits will be an outgrowth of others.
Commitment & Coordination
Jesus was committed to the purpose for which He came to earth (Jn. 17:4), but also to His disciples (Jn. 17:12). And, He expected His disciples to be devoted to one another as well (Jn. 17:11; Rom. 12:10). To function in a Christ-like manner, boards, committees, or ministry teams must likewise be committed to the greater good, one another, and their purpose for coming together (Phil. 2:1-4). With such a commitment, members should be more willing to coordinate their efforts for the greater good. If not committed to one another and their purpose, they will be less likely to work in coordination with each other.
Communication & Community
Jesus not only communicated with the Father (Lk. 6:12), but He also communicated with His disciples (Jn. 15:15; 17:7-8). And, He encouraged such comradeship among the disciples (Jn. 15:12). To function in a Christ-like manner, boards, committees, or ministry teams must likewise provide an atmosphere conducive to open sharing of ideas, receiving input, and acceptance of one another even when ideas conflict (Rom. 15:7). With such communication comes a greater potential for community as members learn and grow together.
Collaboration & Cooperation
Jesus could have gone it alone in His earthly ministry but instead gathered a group of twelve to work together in cooperation with Him. He could have been autocratic in His approach but rather acted as a servant (Phil. 2:5-11). As such He engendered their cooperation wherein they responded because of love not duty (Jn. 14:15). With such collaboration among board or committee members, each having an “ownership” in the process and decisions, tends to come greater cooperation.
For more on boards and committees functioning as a team, read the following:
- Responsibilities of Team Leaders
- Qualities Needed in Team Members
- Turning Team Leaders into Team Builders
- Leadership Skill: Team Building
All Posts about Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams:
- Purpose in Boards, Committees & Ministry Teams
- Healthy Church Boards Exercise Body Life
- Agendas Versus Relationships
- Contributing in Committees, Boards, Ministry Teams
- Differences of Opinion Don’t Have to Divide
- Division of Responsibilities
- Boards, Committees & Ministry Teams Need Focus
- Boards, Committees & Ministry Teams Need Accountability
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Purposeful
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Servant-Oriented
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Team-Oriented
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Upward-Focused
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Process-Oriented
- Effective Church Committees or Ministry Teams
- Understanding Needed about Team Members Contributing
- Christ-like Boards & Committees Possible Due to the Gospel
- Christ-like Boards & Committees Because of the Holy Spirit
- Pulling on Spiritual Gifts of Board, Committee, Team Members?
- Spiritual Gifts of a Board or Committee Chairperson
- Christ-like Boards & Committees a Result of Grace
- Coming Together Because of the Name of the Lord
- Christ-like Boards & Committees Keep His Word Central
- Overcoming Power for Church Boards and Committees
yes, Amen