Teamwork A Key Element For Success

I remember watching the Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles. I have to admit that at the very end of the game I was disappointed; like many of the Baker clan I wanted Philadelphia to win. Even considering that, I was impressed by the event, especially the teamwork.

Football is a team game that means every person on the team has an important role to play. Watching the game, I kept seeing that. There are people you really do not see or hear about much; they were still active in this game. The coverage showed people like the trainers taking care of cramps and minor injuries. Their activity returned players to the game. They also took care of injuries that were more serious.

How about the second string players - I mean they are not good enough to start, right? Boston had a player get hurt and a young second-string player had to play most of the game. Without him, the outcome would have been different. What attention do the linemen get? You don't hear much about them unless they are really bad. However, If they do not play well, the team loses.

The half time show showed teamwork too. We never saw the people setting up and controlling the fireworks. They had to do it just right or we would have seen a big disaster. The same thing is true for the lighting and stage crew. What really caught my eye was the audience. At one point the crowd, all had little lights to turn on and wave. They all did it at the right time! Then they had colored papers to flip up. Some unrecognized people had to distribute those papers and make sure the right colors got to the right people. Then the crowd had to cooperate. That came off well too! Without everyone in the stadium doing their part the half-time show would have flopped. Since they all worked together, it was successful.

Boston did not win because of just one player or a specific coach. The half-time show did not turn out well just because of Paul McCartney. Every one doing their part and working together brought about those outcomes.

It is the same way with the Church: the Body of Christ. A worship service for example does not ride on just the Pastor. Sometimes the sermon does impact us. Sometimes it is a joy or concern that is shared, sometimes it is a Scripture reading or a song. The music does not depend entirely on the pianist or song leader; it depends on the entire congregation singing together. The greeters, ushers, custodians, children and adults all play important roles. I have been in services where the attitude of one person hinders the Spirit's work. I have also been in services where a wonderful attitude invigorates the service.

You can look at any other ministry and see the same thing. Where would Sunday School be without teachers, helpers, support people, and students. In a class or study, if people refuse to prepare and participate how successful will the study be?

In outreach, everyone is important too. If our deeds do not match our words, or Christ's standards, people don't respond positively. If we go around talking negatively about church, church leaders or people at the church, why would anyone want to come? If we never offer to bring friends with us, they probably won't come either. We all have a role to play, not just those evangelist types.

Nehemiah makes the case for this in rebuilding the wall "Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace." {2:17b}, "They replied, 'Let us start rebuilding.'" {2:18b} Notice the "let us"! Hebrews makes the same point for us today, "let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." {Hebrews 10:22-25}

Play your part on Christ's team and together we will see Him work in and through us.

Written by Rev. Daniel B. Baker September 2007



Articles by Rev. Daniel B. Baker :: Webmaster: Joseph I. Baker