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Publications
: NA News : November
2002 |
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Cover, 2,
3, 4,
5, 6
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Page 5 of 6 |
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National
Association of Congregational Christian Churches, P.O. Box 288,
Oak Creek, WI 53154
414-764-1620
Email:
naccc@naccc.org
Web Site: http://www.naccc.org |
BECOMING A TEAM LEADER?
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by Phil Jackson
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| We hear it all the time,
and we know it's true: Team ministry is the future for effective
and dynamic churches. If you are the leader (or a leader) in your
church, what can you do to make sure you are operating as a team?
 • DOES EVERYONE'S OPINION MATTER? A team isn't just a crowd that
agrees with the leader. Iron sharpens iron. We need people that will challenge our ideas,
thought processes, and ways of doing things. Creative team members need to be listened to and
acknowledged otherwise they leave the team.
• DO YOU OPENLY VALUE YOUR TEAMMATES? Celebrate your team
members. One of the most common complaints of team members is they're not appreciated.
Teams flourish when celebration, praise, and truthful evaluations are done on a regular basis.
• DOES EVERYONE KNOW WHAT'S EXPECTED OF THEM? When the leader changes direction,
philosophy or mode of operation too often team members lose sight of their goals. Sure, change happens, but
communication happens only if you are intentional. Keep everyone current and on board.
• ARE YOU WILLING TO LET GO? Let go and let God. In team ministry, let go and let your teams do
their jobs. Futures get derailed when leaders aren't willing to let others be free to influence the ministry. Be willing
to learn better leadership styles if you have to.
Gather folks around you that share a vision and focus for the church, are able to do effective ministry, and are
team players. Keep everyone in the loop and never take communication and relationships for granted. Remember: It's
not about you! It's about God, the church and the team. Be a team member and leader.
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| As editor of
The Congregationalist, Harry R. Butman used the November 1968 issue to
"set straight" the matter of the first Thanksgiving on American soil:
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The Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving took place on a sandy beach at Provincetown one
November morning 348 [ed. now 382) years ago. It was very simple. A band of impoverished,
sea-weary exiles knelt on an alien earth, the east wind cold on their upturned faces, and gave thanks to
God. [. . . ] This was their first act on the earth of America. Before they built cottage or fort, wrote
the noble Compact, or elected a governor, they thanked God. With no delay or pomp, without
a pastor to lead them, when they stepped from boat to beach, they gave thanks to their God.
Not the roar of blunderbuss, nor the roll of drums, nor the ring of ax was the first sound to break
the silence of the new land, but the voice of praise. Our way of life on this soil began with a
prayer, a prayer of gratitude. |
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Rev. Dr. Lloyd Hall is the Association's Historian
and serves Plymouth Congregational Church of Lansing, MI
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Page 5 of 6
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Cover, 2,
3, 4,
5, 6
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