When we think about team-building and rapid organization growth, we may not initially think the Bible has much to say specifically on those subjects.
Think again.
“One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets.
Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.’
‘Master,’ Simon replied, ‘we worked hard last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.’ And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, ‘Oh, Lord, please leave me – I’m too much of a sinner to be around you.’ For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.
Jesus replied to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!’ And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.” Luke 5:1-11 (NLT)
So what can we learn from how Jesus built his team?
Jesus consistently provides us with the perfect example of how we can successfully team-build in the midst of rapid ministry growth. If your church has been blessed enough to find itself in this position, be aware that you may face some cultural challenges in the process.
Luke 5 is a fantastic example of each of these challenges you may face and how Jesus uses his impeccable leadership skills to overcome our shortcomings as followers.
Here at Vanderbloemen, many of the churches we work with are included in Outreach Magazine’s list of the 100 Fastest Growing Churches in the country. We know first-hand the excitement, the challenges, the blessings, and the growing pains our clients experience when in a season of growth.
Being aware of these potential challenges – and how to overcome them – can keep your church focused on its ultimate vision, strategy, and purpose in the Kingdom. Here are the four most common cultural challenges churches face as they grow.
1. The Challenge Of Agility
Every day you’re alive, you become less flexible.
Simon Peter was asked to step outside of his own understanding by trusting Jesus’ words that he should take the boat out once more. Though doubtful of what Jesus asked of him, he trusted enough to stretch beyond his comfort zone, and he was instantly rewarded with an overwhelming amount of fish.
The ability to maintain an open and flexible attitude during your season of growth will become more challenging by the day, and no ministry is immune to the temptation to become rigid and “stick to what works.” Here at Vanderbloemen, one of our core values is “Ever-Increasing Agility,” and we reward our team for their ability to problem-solve and adapt to changes to reach their goals.
If we are not actively chasing ways to become more agile and solution-oriented, we will fall behind and risk becoming poor stewards of the success God has given us.
Ask your team: How will we create and maintain a culture that stresses agility?
2. The Challenge Of Inclusion
While it may be easy to approach a challenge by ourselves and leave the teamwork behind, we are called to serve in a much different manner. Especially as our organization grows and we want to continue our success, it can be difficult to trust others with tasks or simply have the humility to ask for help.
But the truth of the matter is, Jesus himself built an entire team of disciples to work together. His example is clear – He calls us to work together for his glory. It is so important to focus on the big picture and not fall into the mistaken thinking of “If you want it done right, do it yourself.” God will equip your church with the team members needed; trust their God-given abilities and talents.
As your build your team, make sure to pay attention to inclusion and collaboration. Your church will thrive as it expands. If you concentrate your efforts on team building where all learn and work together for a common goal, it will facilitate sustainable relationships and a healthy staff culture as you move forward.
Ask your team: How can we continually include opportunities for collaboration as we grow?
3. The Challenge Of Humility
Simply put, God hates pride. It is the most serious of the seven deadly sins and is proved to have some of the most destructive outcomes if not controlled early on. If you are a church that is experiencing overwhelming growth, it is important to know how easy it is to slip into a mindset of invincibility or self-righteousness. This is a toxic attitude that can lead to a sick church culture. Be sure to fight pride daily and remember the ultimate recipient of all praise.
Jesus immediately saw leadership potential in Simon Peter when he humbly fell to the ground and begged for forgiveness. This is a lesson for church leaders that find themselves approaching a large amount of success. In all circumstances, strong leadership stems from a foundation of humility. Some of the highest-regarded church cultures have thrived because of their widespread culture of humility.
Ask your team: How will we each personally seek humility and resist pride as our church grows?
4. The Challenge Of Awareness
The last lesson we can learn from Simon Peter’s experience in Luke 5 is his ability to leave everything – including his abundance of fish – and follow Jesus. This awareness of the big picture is crucial if you are in a position of growth. Sometimes it’s necessary to drop the minute details and focus on the huge things God is doing with your ministry.
Ask your team: What are some things we may be being called to leave behind as we pursue the ultimate calling God has given our church?
It is our prayer that being aware of 4 these four challenges can help your church continue to grow without getting off-track. Continually bring your team-building focus back to agility, inclusion, humility, and awareness, and you will find a healthy staff culture that is equipped to serve your growing ministry.
