At Saddleback Church we say we are One Church Many Locations and in Saddleback Worship we place the idea of functioning as one team as one of our top team values. The transformative powers of a healthy and united team are unmatched. Here are some sweet points to help us remember what being one team is all about.
Unconditional Love
“Let love be your highest goal.” 1 Corinthians 14:1
A healthy team begins and ends with love. Unconditional love means that every team member is wanted and valued. Everyone is loved for who they are in Christ, and not just for what they bring to the table. It means that the door is open for difficult conversations because there is an expectation and opportunity for growth—not exclusion and exile. A team that loves God and each other well is a team far greater positioned to lead and love its congregation with increased capacity and intensity.
Neutralize Division
“One team” means just that; we are one team. We are not Front of House, and Video, and Platform, and Production. Instead, we are worship leaders; all of us. We each have the responsibility of creating an atmosphere that will help to usher people into the presence of God. This responsibility is our common purpose. To neutralize team division we must have three things: love, communication, and structure.
1. Let love permeate the heart and soul of your team.
2. Communication levels the playing field and sets each member up for success. It says to each member; we value you enough to include you in the conversation. We value your input.
3. The structural components of your team will either draw your team closer or create distance and discord. Be intentional about your office space, the flow of your week, your meeting’s schedule, your chain of leadership, and your processes.
Intentionality
It’s no secret that Saddleback is a Purpose Driven Church. It is in our DNA—lead with intentionality, serve with intentionality, and love with intentionality. A team culture is transformed by consistent processes, intentional time for fellowship, and clarity of vision. Don’t let your team guess and contrive their own vision for the team. Where there’s individual vision, there is de-vision. When we’re intentional in our vision and values and consistent with our processes, we are freed up to be fast, fluid, and flexible in the day-to-day of ministry.
Take Time
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Great things take time. Unity will not happen overnight. It is a byproduct of intentionally invested time. Host a BBQ. Grab coffee together. Pray with and for your team members. Pray with and for their families. Know and support them in their struggles and celebrate their wins. Be willing to put in the time.
You’re A Part of Something Greater Than Yourself
It’s not about you, and it’s not about me. If there’s an easy way to break down barriers and unite a team, that’s it. Set aside any pride, ego, personal agenda, and give it over to God. We are a part of something way bigger than any one of us. If your team doesn’t know that they are a part of something truly special; if they don’t know that they are working alongside the miracle maker—the God of wonders—then it’s time for a reminder.
All spelled out, you have UNITY. I believe when we are unified as one team, we experience the maximum impact of a team in any culture. A team that is unified will have longevity and depth and breadth. It will be that team that will love freely and serve compassionately.
This post was originally published on Saddleback Worship's blog. Check out their latest release, entitled First.
5 Values for a Healthy and Unified Team, by Travis Dahlin, is an article from Pastors.com. © 2012 Pastors.com.
