Question 1

What are some of the keys to successful teamwork?

Accepted Answer

Nehemiah 2:17-18I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work.Amos 3:3Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?A clear vision and mutual goals are keys to successful teamwork.1 Corinthians 1:10I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.Philippians 2:2Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.Harmony and unity is vital for cooperation and efficiency.Philippians 2:1-5Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.Each of us should grow genuine appreciation for the gifts and abilities of each team member. When we become humble enough to realize we are each just one piece of the puzzle, we promote good teamwork.Nehemiah 4:16-22But from then on, only half my men worked while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. . . . Then I explained to the nobles and officials and all the people, “The work is very spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. When you hear the blast of the trumpet, rush to wherever it is sounding. Then our God will fight for us!” We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset. And half the men were always on guard. I also told everyone living outside the walls to stay in Jerusalem. That way they and their servants could help with guard duty at night and work during the day.Romans 12:4-5Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.1 Corinthians 12:7, 13-14, 22, 27 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. . . . we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. . . . some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. . . . All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.Teamwork involves using our gifts to fulfill our roles and encouraging others to use their gifts to fulfill their roles.Exodus 4:15-16“Talk to him, and put the words in his mouth. I will be with both of you as you speak, and I will instruct you both in what to do. Aaron will be your spokesman to the people. He will be your mouthpiece, and you will stand in the place of God for him, telling him what to say.”Exodus 17:10-13So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.Teamwork means helping each other where we fall short as individuals. Creative solutions are often the result of several people working together to solve a problem.3 John 1:5-8Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God. For they are traveling for the Lord, and they accept nothing from people who are not believers. So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth.Acts 13:2-3One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.Acts 15:40Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care.Romans 15:30-32Dear brothers and sisters, I [the apostle Paul] urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit. Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God. Pray also that the believers there will be willing to accept the donation I am taking to Jerusalem. Then, by the will of God, I will be able to come to you with a joyful heart, and we will be an encouragement to each other.Teamwork involves supporting and encouraging each other to continue to serve and not give up. Among other things, prayer, financial support, and hospitality can all be part of teamwork in the mission of the church.

Question 2

What are some of the benefits of teamwork?

Accepted Answer

Ezra 3:8-10The construction of the Temple of God began in midspring, during the second year after they arrived in Jerusalem. The work force was made up of everyone who had returned from exile, . . . The Levites who were twenty years old or older were put in charge of rebuilding the Lord’s Temple. The workers at the Temple of God were supervised by Jeshua with his sons and relatives, and Kadmiel and his sons, . . . When the builders completed the foundation of the Lord’s Temple, the priests put on their robes and took their places to blow their trumpets. And the Levites, descendants of Asaph, clashed their cymbals to praise the Lord, just as King David had prescribed.Nehemiah 4:6At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm.Luke 5:18-20Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.”The determination and hard work of a team can accomplish incredible things, especially when they have a common goal and encourage each other through the process.Exodus 17:12Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset.Ecclesiastes 4:9-12Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.1 Corinthians 3:6-9I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 12There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. . . . The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.In an effective team, no one bears all the burden alone and people back each other up, multiplying the effectiveness of the group to accomplish a united purpose. When the team is accomplishing God’s purposes, even more can be done. God will reward each team member individually for his or her contribution.

Question 3

How is teamwork an important part of the Christian life?

Accepted Answer

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.Ephesians 4:12Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.God uses many people in our lives to bring about spiritual growth and maturity. In turn, he uses us to bless and nurture others. As a result, we now have many partners as we live and learn and work.John 13:34-35“I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”Philippians 2:3-4Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.1 Peter 2:4-5You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.Unity and community in the church reflect who God is. It is part of the essence of being his children to be unified—to be a team. Not only does genuine Christian love for one another motivate us to greater service and help avoid burnout, it sends a message to a watching world.

Question 4

What if there is conflict amongst the team members?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 133:1-3How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.1 Corinthians 1:10I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.1 Corinthians 13:4-5Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.Ephesians 4:2-6Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.Philippians 2:2-5Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.Love and humility are crucial. Disagreements can be hard, but we can build harmony as we focus on the united purpose of the team and as we show loving, forgiving attitudes toward each team member. Different plans, preferences, and priorities can be points of contention in a team. Sometimes, we must accept and support decisions we don’t fully agree with for the good of the team.

Question 5

How can I team up with God in his work?

Accepted Answer

John 5:19So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.”Be attentive to what God is doing and join him in his work.John 14:23Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.”Be obedient to what God tells you to do. When you respect God in this way, he promises to support you with his presence and care.John 15:5“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”When we recognize our dependency on God, we will be quicker to seek his guidance and follow where he leads.Matthew 6:10“May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”Matthew 26:39, 42, 44He [Jesus] went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” . . . Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” . . . So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again.Romans 12:2Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.1 John 5:14-15We are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.When our vision aligns with God’s own, we can work with purpose, knowing that his plans are being accomplished through us. Our prayers, too, will become more confident as we trust in his plans rather than our own.Psalm 37:5Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.1 Corinthians 3:7-9It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.Philippians 2:13God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.Keep your focus and priority on God as he works through you to accomplish his purpose.Romans 12:6-8In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.Ephesians 4:16He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.Colossians 3:23-24Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.Accomplish whatever assignment he gives you cheerfully with the talents he has given you. Be grateful that God has given you an assignment and equipped you perfectly to succeed in your tasks. This attitude is crucial for you to be motivated to serve God wherever he leads instead of being a reluctant team member.