"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
This passage highlights the strengths and benefits of collaboration and teamwork. It illustrates how working together provides mutual support and resilience and how unity can enhance effectiveness and protection. This aligns well with the idea that successful leadership involves building and nurturing strong, supportive teams.
When the first thing a pastor search committee says in response to my question, 'What do you think you are looking for in a pastor?' is, "someone good at everything," I recoil. They judge a pastor's success by how well they lead worship, manage the budget, teach adult education, engage children and youth, grow the church, etc. However, great pastors recognize their strengths and weaknesses, can see the strengths others bring to the table, and inspire them to participate in something bigger than all of them. The most significant predictor of success in ministry is inspired teamwork.
Effective leadership is more than just guiding individuals toward a goal—it's about cultivating a cohesive and motivated team that works together seamlessly. At the core of successful leadership lies building and nurturing strong teams. This involves creating an environment where each member feels valued, heard, and integral to the collective success.
A great leader understands that team building is not a one-time event but a continuous process. It starts with recognizing each member's unique strengths and talents and leveraging them to complement each other. A leader can forge a sense of unity and purpose among team members by fostering open communication, encouraging collaboration, and providing growth opportunities.
Moreover, strong teams are built on trust and mutual respect. A leader who actively listens shows empathy, and supports their team through challenges creates a foundation of trust that enhances cooperation and innovation. When team members feel confident in their leader and each other, they are more likely to take risks, share ideas, and work towards shared objectives with enthusiasm.
Ultimately, building a strong team reflects a leader's commitment to achieving goals and developing and empowering those who contribute to reaching them. By prioritizing team building, leaders can create a dynamic and resilient team capable of overcoming obstacles and achieving excellence together.
Leaders who know how to engage, encourage, and inspire the best in others and then salt it with their own contributions lead the most engaged and effective congregations. Pastors are not the only ministry experts. It is essential that they see the big picture and can pull together the strengths of the ministry team into a coordinated effort.
Gallup has done extensive research into teamwork and engagement in the church. Their research has shown that their awareness of their strengths is more important than the composition of each member's strengths. This awareness is the more significant predictor of engagement and performance (teamwork).
Embracing a culture of teamwork in your ministry can lead to significant benefits. Higher engagement means 59% higher participation, 21% lower turnover, 17% higher productivity, and 21% higher attainment of goals. These statistics paint a promising picture of what can be achieved when prioritizing teamwork. Selecting a pastor with strong team-building skills can significantly enhance the potential for a fulfilling ministry for all.
As church leaders, you play a crucial role in fostering a culture of teamwork and team-building. When team members value each other's strengths, they relate better to one another, avoid more conflicts, boost congregational cohesion, and create positive dialogue. Your actions and leadership can significantly influence the dynamics of your ministry team.
When considering a leader with excellent team-building skills, ask what the candidate can tell you about the gifts and contributions others made in their previous church instead of focusing on what they personally accomplished. If they cannot talk enthusiastically about those they have worked with in the past, this may indicate a lack of team-building skills. Ask what they did to contribute to the growth of others on their team instead of what continuing education they achieved. In your conversations with a candidate, observe how much they tell you about themselves and how much they uplift the ministry's success.
Teamwork and team-building significantly predict the congregation's engaged ministry experience. And isn't that what everyone seeks in their church – an experience of being connected to a community doing God's work?
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