God likes teams. Moses teamed up with Aaron. Ruth and Naomi committed to sticking together. Jesus called 12 disciples. 1 Corinthians tells us that the church is the body of Christ — many members make up one body.
Teams play an essential role in the way churches faithfully carry out their mission. On Sundays, typically one person delivers the sermon, but it takes a team to bring the preached word to life. Knowing how to cultivate healthy teams is an important leadership skill that can influence whether our best effort succeeds or stalls.
Leaders who seek to develop stronger teams should first know the challenges that stand in the way. Although a group of people may work on the same tasks, various factors can inhibit the formation of a team culture: poor communication, unclear goals, trust issues, inadequate transparency. Church leaders must be intentional and consistent in their efforts to transform the culture.
Churches need teams for everything from children’s ministry to financial oversight. Strong teams are marked by a sense of shared purpose, collaboration and a willingness to serve others. Even small teams, comprised of two or three people, usually work better in the long run than relying on just one person to fill a specific role for an indefinite length of time.
To cultivate strong teams, do more than just invite a group of people in the same room. The practices that build stronger teams start with the way the leader operates with the entire congregation. Preach about the church’s shared purpose. Model collaboration in your pastoral leadership. Demonstrate a willingness to serve. Healthy teams don’t make themselves; they require regular attention, constant prayer and intentional effort. The work can be hard, but the rewards are worth it.
