Friday, March 9, 2012

TEAM LEADERSHIP

Over the next couple of weeks, we will explore what John Maxwell calls “The Law of Dividends.”  In his book The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork, Maxwell explains its meaning by stating that the ‘Law of Dividends’ is “investing in a team compounds over time.”  It examines how we can build on the quality of our team over time by how we invest in that team on a regular basis.

Ephesians 4:12 states that we are to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”  How are you equipping and investing in to your leaders?

 Think of an investment in a bank.  When you regularly invest in a savings or retirement, it does not just add up, it begins to multiply because of interest compounded.  Such is the case when investing in leaders.  When we regularly invest in our leaders, students, and volunteers -- what we get and what they get compounds over time and results in the development of quality leadership and character.

We must be good stewards of the people God has placed under our leadership.  1 Corinthians 4:2 states “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.”  Invest wisely in to those God has entrusted to you.

Here are some things to consider when investing in your team:

1. Make the decision to build the team.  Build a team. Pursue leaders.  Invest in others.  Scripture teaches us to equip the saints.  Pastors are not called to do ministry alone, but to develop and equip others to do the work of the ministry.  Build the team!
2.  Build the best team possible. When it comes to leaders, go after the best, or develop the best!  Pursue those who you believe would be a great value to your team, and invest in those who desire to invest in your students.
3.  Pay the price to develop the team.  Invest time, money, and resources in to your leadership team.  You will reap great rewards.  Your ministry will see greater growth when you invest in the leadership, who then will invest in your students.  When you invest in your leaders, you multiply your ability to minister to your students and community.
4. Do things together as a team.  Model teamwork to your team.  Do things together as a team.  Find ways to build healthy relationships within your team. Have lunch together, play together, work together, and dream together.  Build community among your leaders to create a cohesiveness that brings a strong bond to your team and models healthy relationships to your students.
5. Empower your team.   Find ways to bring them success.  Coach them through ministries they lead and develop.  Honor their successes and strengthen their weakness.  Set them up for the win. Your greatest success is the success of your team. 

Looking back over the last year, how have you invested in your team?  Look ahead, how will you invest in your team this year?  Take some time to ask yourself how you can invest both collectively in team, and how you can invest in each individual leader.  Find ways to invest in them over a period of time for growth and investment. 

As you develop a healthy team and invest in them over time, you will find great success and your leaders will become who God purposed them to be.  Invest wisely in those God has entrusted to you.

Source for Article: The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork, John Maxwell

Abe Daniel - District Student Ministries Director
Northern California and Nevada Assemblies of God Student Ministries

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