DISCUSSION: BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS OF A TEAM
Based on your study of the scriptures, what would you say are the most compelling passages in regards to developing and implementing team ministry?
Post replies to Each of the three replies one footnote or citation. Each response should have 100 words. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Quotations usually should comprise of 10% or less of the total word count. Acceptable sources include the textbook, the Bible, etc.
Prompt 1 (CN)
I think the most compelling passages for developing and implementing team ministry include the importance of servant leadership. Servant leadership is the act of putting the needs of others before your own.1 Furthermore, a servant leader is dedicated to serving others and helping them grow in knowledge.1 I believe one of the key aspects of team ministry is humbly placing others above yourself. There are several examples of servant leadership throughout the Bible and verses that explain the importance of placing the interests of others above our own. Jesus set the highest example of servant leadership by coming to Earth “not to be served, but to serve others and give his life as a ransom for many.”2
One example of servant leadership in particular is John 13:12-16 which states, “When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. You call me “Teacher” and “Lord” and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you should also wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.'”2 In this moment, Jesus showed the disciples humility and servanthood. I believe this is foundational to team ministry because it reminds us to humbly serve others as Jesus did, never placing our own life and needs above anyone else.
Prompt 2 (NB)
Passage Chosen: 1 Cor 10:31 – 11:1
31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; 33 just as I also, please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved. 11 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.[1]
While Paul’s words in the preceding verses (1 Cor 10:18-30) are written in the context of meat sacrificed to idols and how believers are not to knowingly participate in that practice. The important part of the first verse is the reminder that everything that we do, every day, should be to the Glory of God. This is a word of encouragement to everyone. When our eyes stay on Jesus everything comes into focus. In the next two verses (1 Cor 10:32-33), Paul is telling them how to serve each other. John Bevere wrote a book titled, The Bait of Satan,[2] where he addresses the number one method Satan uses to try to destroy relationships, and that is through offense. In this case, Paul is cautioning about causing another to stumble. In verse 33, Paul is not encouraging anyone to compromise the truth of the gospel to please others. However, he is saying that he is conscious of his behavior and that he does not want to offend their conscience by what he does in his daily life. In other words, we are to do everything to the glory of God. We are to edify and be a witness to others. We should be constantly thinking about the salvation of others and take into account what their perception of us is. It is all for the sake of getting the Gospel to others. It is about displaying the character of God. We are to set an example. Christ is the ultimate example of how we are to live and behave and His apostles are living examples of Christ. Here, Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to imitate him which in effect is imitating Christ. This passage ties back to 1 Cor 9, where Paul is giving up his liberty. He is willing to give up his own rights for the sake of the Jew and Greek. Are we willing to do the same?
This passage of Scripture is foundational to the whole idea of team ministry because it encompasses three key components: it glorifies God, puts a premium on serving others, and encourages us to be like Christ. A team that has this passage as its foundation has the potential to do great work for God’s kingdom by being the hands and feet of Jesus. I am reminded of a local soccer team whose name is I Am Third. It comes from the concept of God first, others second and me last. If a soccer team can grasp that concept, then surely a ministry team can do the same.
Prompt 3 (HB)
Team ministry composed of members with specific skills to utilize making effective change or fulfilling its mission. Ministry stands as service to others. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 12 informs of the spiritual gifts given to believers for the edifying of the church. Each member serving in some way with one another to administered through the qualifications of Holy Spirit represented in Galatians 5:22-23 as products of our personalities. The Holy Spirit as described in 1 Corinthians 13 enables believers to work together as one for the head of the team (body) which is Christ Jesus for His purpose. Keith Webb shared his experience starting out as a young leader and having the assumption of “know-it-all-ism” that is so common than not. He shared how it was tough on his own merits but being led by Holy Spirit opened his vision and closed his mouth to listen.1 In James 1:19-27 gives great insight of a person of faith that in patience and grace, we all must be examples of our talk throughout our walk.
In Luke 14:23 captures the words of Jesus given to the disciples that instructs their duty as followers. Jesus educates them concerning nonbelievers who will not receive the hearing of salvation to prepare them for rejection by encouraging each other to stay strong and continue on as referenced in Matthew 10:14-15. Crucial points as members of a team knowing the purpose and goal that the team works towards. In Matthew 20:23-28 Jesus announces the difference He will make from how the world relates to each other. He announces that He comes to fulfill a need and to serve. We as believers know the world needs to hear the gospel to fill their inward longing. We as believers know the world need resources to meet their physical and mental health.
I believe Ephesians 5:1-2 which reads, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor” is foundational to the whole idea to team ministry. Believers are regarded as children led by the Father who has demonstrated true love, purpose, and how to get the task done. The book of Ephesians exemplifies our access to God, our ability to live as new creatures connected to God, members of the body of Christ connected to each other, the difference believers make in this world, and our dependence rooted in Him.
