Working and serving on a team is satisfying. We get lots done and everyone shares the work load, so why don’t more ministries use teamwork? Most of us say we value teamwork but why don’t we actually use it? I believe we don’t use teamwork because it’s hard work. I know it sounds easy but to actually do it takes commitment and dedication. To have good teamwork you need three things:
1. Clearly Defined Roles
For teams to function at high capacity everyone needs to have a role and understand what is required of them. When team members do whatever they want, whenever they want, teams become disasters. To have clear roles leaders need to provide job descriptions. Those job descriptions need to be followed and leaders need to evaluate how people are doing. This is the number one place teams breakdown.
2. Clear Mission
Teams need to have one mission and do everything to support that mission. No mission is just as bad as multiple missions. The main job of the leader is to keep people focused on the mission. If the leader does this and people all support the mission, teamwork will be fun!
3. Equal Sacrifice
When teamwork is great it’s because the team has equal sacrifice. When people on the low end are doing all the sacrificing, jealousy and envy are not far behind. When the leaders are doing all the sacrificing then they become bitter towards who they are serving. Equal sacrifice will product a willingness to sacrifice more and will give people great joy!
