Empowered Team Development

Many pastors, writers, and consultants agree that developing ministry teams are a major key to effective ministry and building a successful church. There is, however, a big difference in a group of people working together and a team. A group is normally defined as two or more people who interact in some way, whereas teams are usually thought of as groups with shared goals and common objectives. This suggests that teams are more than mere work groups. I have been part of "teams" with conflicting interests that resulted in poor team participation, communication, and effectiveness. In reality, they were teams in name only.

A team is a collection of individuals who exist within a larger social system or organization. These individuals are identified by themselves and others as a team. They are interdependent and perform tasks that affect the other individuals and other groups.

Teams have several common characteristics. A team can be of any size, but a team of relatively few members are easier to manage and tend to be more effective.  Think of an NFL football team. Each team is allowed fifty-three players on the active roster (only forty-six can suit up for a game). The players are categorized as offensive or defensive players. They are further divided  by the position they play. A football team is really a team of teams. Each player and each team have different functions and goals, but they all share in the ultimate goal of winning the last game of the season. A church is also a team of teams with the same God-given mission.

The main characteristic that differentiates a team from a group is that teams are formed around common interests and values. Common interested and values bond the team members to one another. A shared values system creates a sense of identity and purpose. The second important characteristic of a team is their purpose. Teams are not appropriate for every church function, but they should be formed when the team is likely to outperform individuals or groups working independently. When a team is formed, their purpose should be well defined with specific goals and objectives.

Some churches and organizations have teams that meet perpetually like church boards and budget committees. Some ad hoc teams are formed for particular projects then disbanded when their tasks are completed. In either case, team building are formed in phases.

1. ORIENTATION PHASES- this is about the make-up of the team. Team members learn about the other members as they come together. They share their personal goals, values, dreams, and plans, etc.
2. CONFLICT PHASE - the ground rules are established, roles are identified, and procedures are clarified. Tension is necessary just as friction is necessary for movement. During this phase different ideas, procedures, jobs and tasks are discussed.
3. EMERGENCE PHASE - The outcomes of the group discussion regarding team structures, procedures, and relationships and the establishing of the individual roles begin to emerge. This phase ends when a consensus is reached and recorded.
4. PERFORMANCE PHASE - During this phase, the team functions are executed. If the team is perpetual, periodic evaluation of the members, their roles, and procedures is necessary. 
5. TERMINUS PHASE - Only temporary teams will come to an end. There are advantages of having teams with a predetermined life-cycle. This is especially true if the team is experiencing conflict or they are not effective.

Effective teams have a clear understanding of goals to be achieved and an enthusiastic commitment to accomplishing those goals. Recent polls have shown that the average organizational member does not have a clear understanding of their organizational goals. It can be assumed that the top leadership has a clear understanding of their overall purpose. Often this understanding is not clearly and continually communicated to the members. Many churches are guilty of the same mistake. Every Church differs in size, location, and make-up. Each church strives to accomplish God's plan in a unique way. The uniqueness should be communicated to the ministry teams.This mission keeps church leaders focused and the ministries aligned.

Teams should be developed in accordance with the various functions of the church. "24 to Double" (http://www.24todouble.org) suggests seven teams:

1. Outreach
2. WOW (First Impressions)
3. Shock & Awe (Production of cutting edge services)
4. Worship
5. Follow-up
6. Children
7. Small Groups

These represent some natural teams that leaders form. However, churches will develop teams according to their resources and what are needed to accomplish their mission.

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