Body Building – “Every Ministry Is A Team Ministry”
When we hear the term “team ministry,” our minds often picture a large congregation with a robust staff—a senior pastor, an associate pastor, a Director of Christian Education (DCE), and a worship leader, all working together. In such settings, teamwork is an obvious necessity. Each person has a defined role, contributing their unique gifts to a well-coordinated effort that maximizes ministry impact within the congregation where they serve.
However, what about smaller churches with a solo pastor and perhaps part-time administrative help? Does team ministry still apply? Absolutely it does! The concept of team ministry isn’t just for large churches with multiple professional staff members. It is essential for every congregation, regardless of size, because the Church is designed by God to function as a body—one body with many parts.
One Body, Many Parts
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 that the Church is the Body of Christ. Just as a human body is made up of many parts, each with a different function, so too is the Church. Paul writes:
“There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ… God has placed each part in the body just as he wanted it to be. If all the parts were the same, how could there be a body? As it is, there are many parts. But there is only one body… If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. If one part is honored, every part shares in its joy. You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it.”
There Are No Lone Rangers
If you are a solo pastor, know that you don’t have to do everything yourself—because you can’t! God has not gifted you with every ability needed to fulfill every aspect of ministry. You need the other members of the body, just as they need you. There are no Lone Rangers in ministry. Even the Lone Ranger needed Tanto. In fact, part of your calling is not only to shepherd but also to equip God’s people for their works of service so that the Body of Christ may be built up (Ephesians 4:11-12). In other words, you are not meant to be a one-person show but a coach and leader who empowers others to serve in their callings. So, as Hans and Frans from Saturday Night Live in the 1980s would say to all of us, we are here to “pump you up” to be the Body of Christ!
The Priesthood of All Believers
Church members, it is also vital for you to remember that you are not just passive recipients of spiritual goods and services. You are more than people who “pray, pay, and obey.” As part of the Priesthood of All Believers, you have a vital role to play in the life of your congregation. Your pastor cannot do it all, nor should he. Your unique gifts are essential for the mission of your church. Whether you are gifted in teaching, administration, hospitality, music, or caring for others, you have a part in strengthening the ministry of your congregation.
From Buffalo to Geese: A Leadership Shift
Too often, churches fall into what can be called “Buffalo-Style Leadership.” Native Americans knew that if they took out the lead buffalo, the whole herd would come to a standstill—making them easy pickings. Similarly, many churches rely so heavily on their pastor that when he gets sick, takes a call, or goes on vacation, everything grinds to a halt. This kind of leadership structure is not sustainable.
A better model is “Goose-Style Leadership.” Have you ever watched a flock of geese in flight? They take turns leading. The lead goose does not bear the brunt of the journey alone. When one tires, another moves up to take its place, while the others honk encouragement from behind. This is a beautiful picture of how team ministry should function in a congregation.
Pastors, this doesn’t mean abdicating your God-given calling in the Office of the Public Ministry. There are times when you will lead from the front. But there are also times when others, based on their gifts, should take the lead in a ministry area while you support and encourage them. You might be in the middle of the formation, working alongside others, or even in the back, honking encouragement to those who are leading.
Strengthening the Body of Christ
No matter the size of your congregation, you are part of something greater than yourself. God has uniquely called each person in your church for a reason. Ministry is not meant to be a solo endeavor but a shared calling where each member contributes according to their God-given gifts.
So, pastors and church members alike—embrace team ministry. Support one another. Build up the Body of Christ together. And let’s make sure that no one, whether pastor or member, is left to carry the weight of ministry alone.
