Joseph Chris has identified several benefits of teamwork: 1) It maximizes multiple skill sets. 2) It is more efficient. 3) Things get done faster. 4) Deadlines motivate team members to work harder and timely. 5) It increases the chance to learn from each other. 6) There can be ongoing feedback. 7) Team members can share highs and lows—they rejoice or empathize together. 8) Teams can solidify accountability. These are all good reasons to create and foster teams that work together. Both Jesus our Lord and the early Church knew their value. Jesus sent out His disciples in pairs. The duo of Paul and Barnabas and Paul and Silas did their missionary journeys as a team. We read in Philippians CH 2, how Paul praised Timothy and Epaphroditus for their loyalty first to Jesus Christ, then to him as the team leader. They all toiled together passionately. These examples should motivate us to recognize the value of working together, and avoid the prideful temptation of self-centered achievement. For no matter how high we may rise in life, it is certain that we do not get there by ourselves.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
