This is the final installment of our four-part series on the idea that teamwork is like a good recipe in the kitchen—with the right mix of ingredients, combined properly, the results can be delightful! Whether you find yourself a part of an elder board, ministry team, community group, or prayer team, we hope this series will strengthen and develop your involvement and leadership.
In part 1 of our series, we introduced four truths about teamwork. In part 2 we looked at the story of Nehemiah and Moses and identified our first three key ingredients of healthy teams. In part 3 we examined the story of the Tower of Babel and found three more key ingredients. Now we will identify our final two ingredients and put some final touches on our study of healthy teamwork. In doing so, I hope you will continue to be encouraged by your role in the teams you are a part of.
The Disciples
Jesus had a group of followers who went everywhere with Him, and it was from this large pool of followers that Jesus whittled His team down to 12 faithful men, known as the disciples. Mark 3:14 tells us that Jesus appointed these 12 “that they might be with Him, and that He might send them out.” If I were setting out to change the world, I might think I needed more than 12 people! But this was Jesus’s team, and from this team there is much we can learn.
Ingredient #7: Complimentary Gifts
For a team to function properly, each team member needs to have a clear role, and each of these roles often require team members with different gifts. Though the disciples were uneducated men, each was uniquely gifted and capable of being trained and sent. Matthew was a tax collector. Simon was a zealot (the opposite end of the political spectrum as Matthew). Peter and James were fishermen. Jesus likely recruited this team—with very different backgrounds, skills, and views—because each would contribute in their own unique way.
If your team is made up of people who think the same way, have similar gifts, and operate in the same way as you, that isn’t ideal. Diversity of gifts and thoughts makes a team stronger. When developing a team, look for people who have complimentary gifts who are willing to work towards a common vision.
Are you missing certain skills on your teams? How can you diversify your team for greater impact?
Ingredient #8: Correct Motives
Correct motives build teams; impure motives debilitate teams. Someone once said, “Pride builds monuments, but humility builds ministry.” [2]
In each of the stories we have viewed, we can see how the motives impact the outcome. For Nehemiah’s team the motive was to restore the glory of God. For Moses, it was to establish a people set apart for God. For the 12 disciples it was to be with Jesus so that, later they could establish the Church. For the citizens of Babel it was fame and glory. In each case the motive impacted the result. Motives matter. Regardless of our work ethic or the fruit of our labor, without the right motives, we’re wasting our time. God weighs the heart. God opposes the proud and will disrupt their plans, but shows favor to the humble (James 4:6). [1]
As you lead your team, continue to check your motives. Be sure that your motives are God centered and not man centered.
Are there impure motives that need to be repented of on your team?
Final Thoughts – Why Teams? – – – Collaboration
Throughout the Bible we see the importance of collaboration and community. No one person has all the necessary skills, gifts, or wisdom. Thus, we are exhorted several times to use the natural gifts and talents we’ve received, as well as our spiritual gifts, to serve one another with kindness, respect, and appreciation (1 Peter 4:10). That’s what teams do!
As followers of Jesus, if we want to see communities transformed, lives changed, and nations renewed with the gospel, part of our journey will be learning how to work together in a healthy and gospel-oriented way. As we labor together to “equip the saints for the work of the ministry,” let us do so as those who have developed a healthy and gospel-centered theology of teamwork. [2] Like a delicious loaf of banana bread, God wants your team to be a sweet gift of love and grace to the world watching around you.
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