Church boards, committees, or ministry teams have great potential when they come together because of the name of the Lord. Jesus prayed for His disciples, “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one” (Jn. 17:11).
We Have a Foundation for Coming Together Because of the Name of the Lord
Church boards, committees, or ministry teams must grasp the significance of His name. When we come together in the name of the Lord, and do what we do all in the name of the Lord (Col. 3:17), we’re acknowledging that we need His help if we’re going to function as we should.
Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Ps. 124:8)
We’re not relying on the chairperson or leader to help us do what we should do. We’re not depending on the skill sets and experience of fellow team members. We’re not putting our hope in a good strategic plan. While all of that has a useful place, our trust is “in the name of the Lord our God” (Ps. 20:7). If He has the wisdom and power to make the heaven and earth, certainly He can help us come together as a board or team and function as we should.
We Have a Common Purpose When We Do What We Do for the Sake of His Name
We trust in God to help us not simply to get along with each other or to accomplish something as a board or team, but to do what we do for the glory of His name (Ps. 79:9). We look to Him saying, “for the sake of your name lead and guide me (us)” (Ps. 31:3). Think of the problems that can be prevented in a group of diverse people if we all work toward this common purpose rather than fight for personal agendas.
Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. (Ps. 115:11)
Even if we don’t seem to be appreciated by others for the part we had in accomplishing something good, we can be okay because we’re doing it for the “glory of His name”, not for ourselves.
We Have a Basis for Conflict Resolution in the Name of the Lord
If, from the start, we make it clear to members of the board, committee, or ministry team that they’re a team because of the name of the Lord, we have something to pull them back to when issues arise, disagreements start to get heated, and conflict seeks to divide. We appeal to them in the name of the Lord, that name which is foundational for who they are and what they do, the name that unites them around a common purpose.
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. (1 Cor. 1:10)
Leaders don’t need to step in heavy handed, making the final decision based on their own opinion and position as a leader. Rather, we “appeal to” (parakaleo), or come alongside of members, encouraging them to function in the name of the Lord for the glory of His name.
Read More About This Power Source: The Name of the Lord
All Posts about Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams:
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- 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