LEADING EFFECTIVE MINISTRY TEAMS
No matter what day of the week you’re reading this, there’s one thing I know for sure: Sunday is never more than 6 days away. That’s another service to plan, another sermon to write, another worship set to choose... The list goes on. Church leaders know how many hours go into making a Sunday service happen, and the cycle never stops running. It’s a lot.
Maybe your church, like so many, meets at a location where you load in and out every weekend— which means all of those other activities are happening at other places. It’s just a microcosm of the number of unseen hours that go into making a few hours on Sunday a reality.
If you’re like most church leaders I’ve come to know, then you probably have a to-do list of people to see, things to fix, and items to plan that you know you can’t accomplish. There just aren’t enough days in the week to get it all done all the time. That’s why God has blessed you with a team.
Lead your team well. What happens during the week with your team, is as important to the gathering you are praying and planning for. Your time with your ministry teams are vital. They carry forth the vision and momentum of the church.
Here are four considerations that I’ve learned over the years about leading effective ministry teams.
1. How did you worship this past week?
It is very important that you care for and shepherd your ministry teams. Too often team gatherings are about planning for the next event, and very little accountability of how they are growing in Christ.
Sabbath is a time of worship. Family altar is a time of worship. Spiritual disciples area time of worship.
My pastor and friend, Dr. Ted Traylor always ask our ministry team this question every week; “Who did you share Christ with the week?” Evangelism is a time of worship.
A great way to start a team meeting is sharing of we are growing in Christ, what is God speaking to us in our quiet times, and how did we worship with our families. Most of our teams are busy serving in some capacity during public gatherings, and worship can very easily be overlooked.
2. What was your biggest challenge or celebration this past week?
You create a community of purpose and accountability. An effective always grow when you take time to pause, reflect, evaluate, and celebrate.
I always like to create a community were it is safe to double our joy, and divide our pain (Romans 12: 15 paraphrased). No matter a personal or a professional challenge or celebration, the team always gives thanks and together trust God for answers. We are better together.
Strive to create a culture that doubles your joy and divides your pain.
3. What are your set goals this week?
Creating alignment of vision and synergy with the team is crucial. There are many parts that make what we do impactful and fruitful for the kingdom. Too often teams do not celebrate, because they forget the process to the set goals. Talking timelines, resources, and execution is fruitful for the team. These conversations give birth to new dreams and kingdom impact.
4. As your leader, what can I bring to you so that you can accomplish your set goals?
Leaders are influencers. Do not underestimate your leadership, and what it brings to those who you’ve been entrusted with.
Whenever I ask this question, I always have feedback. Some requests are as small as printing paper, or helping with making a family visit, or maybe a difficult phone call. Bring the best you can to your ministry teams, and they will take their best to the church and community.
Every church planter, and leader knows that ministry teams, and serve teams are the backbone of their church. Lead them well.