The Dynamics of Team Ministry

Character Verses Gifting

It is important to realize there is a very distinct difference between gifting and character. This is true for any ministry, but it is particularly true regarding the prophetic. People can be very gifted in the prophetic and still have serious character issues that would greatly impair the effective functioning of the team. The sad reality is that gifting does not ensure character. Giftings are received by faith. Character is grown as fruit. Having one does not insure the other. People can be very gifted in the prophetic, they can give accurate words with many specific details -- and they can have serious character deficiencies.

It is important to understand the difference between character and gifting when determining who would serve well as a team member in ministry. Individuals need certain character attributes to be effective team members and team ministers. This lesson and the next two deal with some of the important character qualifications that should be evidenced (at least in seed form) within individuals who would be good candidates for team ministry.

(Authors note: The content of this lesson could quite probably disqualify most everyone from ministry if held as the unwavering and ultimate standard. I do not offer this to be used as a rigid legalistic plumb line. Instead, I hope these guidelines will serve as a fluid indictor of areas in need of further growth, or areas in need of more of God's sustaining and enabling grace.)

Potential Problems In Teams

All teams face potential problems. But awareness of hindrances can help eliminate future obstacles. The following are just a few examples of the types of problems that frequently surface in the context of team ministry. Each of these problems indicate the need for character growth for effectiveness.

* Jealousy

Sometimes internal team struggles will develop and God will use these as character builders and indicators that more maturity and personal security are needed.

* A Wrong Perspective of the Purpose

One example of wrong perspective is if the person views a present ministry team position as a "stepping stone" to a greater position in their own ministry. This type of attitude develops a mind set that states "I am just biding my time until God opens the door for something much greater."

Team members must realize that their present position is God's training ground for them, that they are there because God has called them to be there. They must do the best possible job in order to be promoted. There is a place for goals, but the team member needs to pursue their present service wholeheartedly. Otherwise the team member is ministering with an inappropriate perspective or motive such as personal ambition. It will hurt the team in the long run to have members who are motivated to be on the team only because they view it as a "stepping stone" to some other goal. Team members need to be committed to the ministry that the team is performing.

* Personal Ambition

Sometimes an unhealthy desire for promotion or prominence can hinder the team effort. It can also happen when other people pressure trainees to be dissatisfied with their team position. People will sometimes come to a team member and say "you minister so well, why don't they let you lead the team?" If the trainee is not mature enough, this type of statement sows the seeds of the Absolom spirit.

* Wrong Comparisons and Inferiority

Improper comparisons can let discouragement creep in. It is not wise to compare ourselves with other team members who have strengths in certain areas. (I.e., Some prophesy longer, receive more specific words or insights, or flow more fluently, etc.) A team member should not measure himself against others, but rather against God's calling on his or her life.

Another wrong perspective is viewing our present team position as a second best role and an "inferior ministry." One's role does not determine one's value! Every potential prophetic team must view their situation from the perspective that where he/she is placed is God's purpose and God's pleasure. They must understand that their present position is (at this time) the best for them, and the best for the local house of the Lord and for the Kingdom of God. This type of outlook will bring a sense of security and fulfillment.

* Defensiveness

It is very important for team members to remain teachable. A teachable attitude is a reflection of humility, which pleases God. One needs to always be willing to have a word judged. This is very clear from scripture. "And let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment" (1 Cor 14:29). "For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets" (1 Cor 14:31,32). It makes it a lot easier for a leader to "risk" letting someone speak if there is a willingness on the part of the prophesier to be correctable. After all, we ALL have blind spots.

Desirable Characteristics for Team Members

The above list is by no means an exhaustive list of potential problems that can be encountered in teams. But it does indicate the need for certain characteristics that are desirable qualities for team members. The following are eight important character qualities to look for in candidates for team ministry:

* Servanthood

a team member's motivation should be to make the team's ministry a success, to further the kingdom of God by serving on it.

* Faithfulness

being consistent and someone who you can depend on

* Availability

the most gifted person with the highest character is not of much use to the team if they are not available to serve on it when they are needed.

* Teachable

the person must be willing to learn to improve in their gifting and open to helpful suggestions and corrections by team leadership.

* Humility

one who does not operate out of selfish ambition or conceit, but one who esteems others and does not look down on them.

* Meekness

a humble reliance on God's power an strength.

* Corporateness

one who is not overly independent and who can cooperate with the others on the team.

* Loving

they need to love the people the team will be ministering to, not just "love" the position that being on the team gives to them.

We will take a look at these "desirable characteristics" in our next lesson.