"None of us are as smart as all of us.” -Pastor Daniel Williams
The reality is that we, as individuals can accomplish a lot on our own… But we’ll never be able to accomplish alone what can only be done with all of us together.
"Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.” Genesis 11:6
"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Psalm 133:1
Even in scripture, we learn how importance teamwork, but it can be so difficult to obtain. At Redemption Church, we strive to keep teamwork a priority and making sure that we’re emphasizing the body of Christ in all of its diversity of gifts, and personalities. Here are three things we keep as a priority in order to bring about a team mentality:
Share a vision, not a task list
Yes, tasks will be shared, but what is most important is for all of us to be centered around a common vision and goal. This is why we emphasize our mission statement so much: To Pursue and Proclaim Jesus. We want everything we do to emphasize these two points.
Play everyone's strengths
What makes teams so difficult is that everyone is different, but this can also be our greatest strength. It’s amazing that we are not only good at different things, but how some people can absolutely love doing what others would never do. Learning these things is crucial to our success as a group. Jesus has gifted each of us differently, and made us to enjoy different parts of the work that goes towards the same vision. We want everyone to be able to not only work well together, but to thrive in the place God has made them to be in His Church.
Delegate everything you can
This one has been, and always will be the thing most struggle with. Handing over important tasks, projects, and especially management is extremely difficult. The reality is that the biggest bottle neck most teams will face is their leader. The best advice I’ve ever heard is that if someone can do something 60% as well as you then you should have them do it instead. This may seem easy, but you realize very quickly that 60% is a very far way from 100%. Nonetheless, teaching others and delegating areas of responsibility (and truly letting them take it over without you micromanaging them) is the only way to utilize a team well and will encourage everyone to take part and work as a team rather than a one man show with many helpers.
In order for us to function well as a church, we need to all be aware of what keeps a team running smoothly. Let’s continue to pursue a great vision together, to encourage each other in our unique gifting, and to continue to include others in the work so that Jesus may continue to be even more glorified in not only in the work accomplished, but in the love and service we have towards one another.
