One of the biggest downfalls we see in pastors is their inability to create a team that helps them in ministry. Too many leaders attempt to be a one-man-band that does it all at the church and this struggle is not only a danger, but also something that goes against the very fabric of our faith.
Before starting His ministry, Jesus took time out to create a team that would have the DNA of His leadership and would mobilize so effectively. Thanks to training and vision casting, Christianity is still at large thousands of years later.
The DNA of a good team can be found in Acts 6:3-4, where the Bible says, “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”
The first thing we notice in this passage is the importance of integrity. Your team members must be people who demonstrate high integrity. Leaders set the bar and whether they want to or not, the example for laity as well. The best way to help the church to be that light is by making sure your leaders are of honest report, because people do not follow those they cannot trust.
Second, we know how flawed we are as human beings. In order to sustain integrity at such a high level, we must have the Holy Spirit dwelling and leading us everyday. So our actions, words, and responses are those of Him, and not of us. A good team is a spiritual team that is powered by the Holy Spirit.
Another thing that the passage points out is how important competence is. A good team is one that has wisdom and the ability to do. These are key when assigning ministerial assignments. A pastor must remember that it is not only important to have the right people, but to have the right people in the right assignments. The body of Christ cannot do the work of the Lord well if we are not stable. The right people serving in the right areas of ministry. First Corinthians 12 expresses the importance of this wise move.
Lastly, the final sentence of this scripture talks about the importance of commitment. These leaders gave themselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. Doing the work of the Lord cannot be the only way of connecting to God. Committing to the call means also committing to your relationship with Jesus, and that is a choice made daily.
Integrity, spirituality, competence, and commitment are all necessities for a good ministry team. The DNA found in Acts is what empowered the early church, and it can empower and mobilize your church today.