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How Jesus Builds A Team

How Jesus Builds A Team

by | Sep 28, 2009 | Communication, Decisions, Empowerment, Leadership, Staff, Teamwork

A team is capable of accomplishing things that no individual, no matter how multi-talented, could do alone.  To function well:

A team must be committed to a common vision and purpose, and it must be willing to work in unity for the improvement of the whole rather than the advancement of any one member.


teambuilding1

Synergism can be defined as the interaction of elements that, when combined, produce an effect that is greater than the sum of the individual parts.  Therefore, synergy is a joint action that increases the effectiveness of each member of a team.  Synergy is exactly what Jesus had in mind when he chose His twelve disciples.

From a large pool of disciples who were following him, Jesus designated only twelve men who would become his disciples.  This was such a significant decision that the Lord prayed all night to prepare for it (Luke 6:12-13 & Mark 3:14).

Jesus knew that this was the team that would be with Him for the rest of his ministry, and He was prepared to pour Himself unreservedly into their lives.  Jesus’ actions, the unshakable reality of the resurrection and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit turned a group of men who were characterized by confusion, infighting, and self-interest into a genuinely synergistic team.  Today the church (the body of Christ on earth) is not an organization but an organism that manifests both unity and diversity. 

What does Ephesians 4:4-16 tell us about the dynamics and purpose of this organism, and what do 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 and Romans 12:3-8 tell us about how spiritual gifts contribute to the effectiveness of the groups of believers?

How Jesus Builds A Team

Teamwork Makes The Dreamwork

by | Sep 22, 2009 | Decisions, Empowerment, Leadership, Relationships, Teamwork

The mark of a great leader is how many great people will join his or her team. King David’s team was comprised of “mighty men.”  Because David attempted mighty things, only the mighty could keep up with him.  Those who could not keep pace could not join the team.

Teamwork

Don Bennett was the first amputee to climb Mt. Rainier.  His testimony is simple – if you try such a feat with only one leg, “you can’t do it alone.”  However, Bennett understood that not just anyone could help.  Bennett did not recruit his helpers in a nursing home.  He built a team of people who WANTED to climb a 14,410-foot peak and who COULD climb a 14,410-foot peak.  One who attempts mighty feats had better be capable of recruiting a mighty team.

David did just that.  His was one of the most celebrated teams in the entire Old Testament.  This group was the all-star team of his battle-hardened warriors.  Several things stand out as we consider how David pulled his team together.

First, he spent time with them in battle. These men were welded to David by the hot fires of battle.  His inner circle consisted of those men who had fought alongside him.  He knew their capabilities, because he had seen what they could do with their own eyes.

Second, he sacrificed for them. When three of his mighty men risked their lives to obtain drinking water for him during a battle, David refused to drink it, choosing instead to pour it out onto the ground (vv. 13-17).  That act of sacrifice communicated a depth of devotion and love that had to have impressed those warriors.

Third, they enjoyed victory together. Time and time again David and his mighty men faced seemingly insurmountable odds and saw God deliver them.

Finally, David honored them. These men were well known throughout the land as “David’s Mighty Men.”  That phrase served as a banner that set them as extraordinary.  As you read this account, one thing becomes clear: David knew he couldn’t do it alone.

How Jesus Builds A Team

My 10th Anniversary Luncheon Cruise

by | Sep 1, 2009 | Current Affairs, Events, Fun Stuff, Music

On Saturday August 29, over 200 people boarded the Spirit of Chicago to celebrate my 10th Anniversary as Pastor of the Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago.   The event was fun, festive, and classy!  I love Mars Hill and consider it a privilege to serve as her pastor.

Pastor & Shauntai

Previously, pastors would celebrate their pastoral anniversary by having a banquet at a hotel or banquet hall. This year we decided to change the game and hold my 10th Anniversary aboard The Spirit of Chicago.  We had an AWESOME time! I want to thank Mary Taylor, our staff, and our members for making this a memorable occasion.

Enjoy the video!