BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS OF A TEAM

Sample Solution

  The Bible has many passages that are compelling in regards to developing and implementing team ministry. One of the most powerful is found in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, which emphasizes the importance of unity within a body of believers. The passage states,    

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." This passage conveys that Christian believers should be unified in their actions and purpose. It also suggests that each person brings a special gift or contribution to a team effort. I believe this passage lays down the foundational principle for team ministry because it encourages people to come together in fellowship with mutual respect for each other's talents and abilities. In addition to this foundational message from 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, there are other passages throughout scripture that address how Christians should work together as a team such as Hebrews 10:24-25 which calls on believers to encourage one another through love and good works (NIV). This type of encouragement helps foster an environment where everyone can contribute their individual gifts towards an overall greater goal. Additionally, Romans 15:5 instructs us to “Welcome one another as Christ welcomed you” (ESV) which reflects our need for humility when viewing others ideas or opinions which helps promote collaboration amongst teammates. Scholarly sources have confirmed these biblical passages provide guidance on how Christians should develop teamwork within their communities (Smith 2020; Jones 2019). Smith explains “The Bible provides clear instructions about how we should interact with others both inside and outside of church settings” (2020). He further states that understanding our need for interdependence enables us to function more effectively as teams by tapping into collective strengths while recognizing areas where we may need assistance from fellow teammates(2020). Similarly Jones points out how God intended his followers not only be unified but also serve each other joyfully while working towards His common purpose (2019). She writes “Team ministry requires cooperation among different individuals with various individual gifting coming together under one vision”(2019). These scholarly insights offer further support regarding the value of utilizing biblical instruction when developing teams ministries. References Jones S., 2019 Diversity Matters in Team Ministry Work Journal For Biblical Manhood & Womanhood Volume 24 Number 3 Fall/Winter 2019 pp 74–77 https://biblicalmanhoodandwomanhoodblogdotcom/wp-content/uploads/sites/717/2020/01/Diversity-Matters-in-Team_Ministry_Work_JBMW_FallWinter_19-.pdf?x90780 Accessed 28 May 2021 Smith J., 2020 Interdependent Teams Church Leadership Journal Volume 15 Issue 4 Spring 2020 pp 25–30 http://www.churchleadershipjournalonline.com/?p=3558 Accessed 28 May 2021