What happens when the church functions like a team

Derek Hamby

Michael Jordan once said, “Teamwork wins championships.” Jordan was one of the best players to ever step on a basketball court, but even he understood that every player matters. Teams only win games when players work together. The same principle holds true in the church as well.

3 Ways the Church Plays Like a Championship Team

1. Everyone has a place in the church.

When Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won 72 games and only lost 10 the whole season, Dennis Rodman played a huge role. He did the dirty work and led the league in rebounding.

There are countless volunteers who may or may not be visible on a Sunday, yet they make church happen. How many people show up each week because of the connection their kid has with a volunteer in KidSpring or because someone was setting up equipment in the wee hours of the morning?

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 says, “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body — whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free — and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.”

There are no benchwarmers in the church. Everyone plays a role.

The team requires all parts to function. I love that this verse discusses, Jews or Gentiles, slave or free. Everyone can be a part of the church. Regardless of your race or your past, in Christ, we are all united.

2. There are no insignificant roles in the church.

When a team has high expectations, it’s likely because they have a great leader that creates a culture of high expectations. In the church, we have Jesus. He called us to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). The vision is clear, and we have the best message to share: Jesus came to save us and set things right.

1 Corinthians 12:18-20 says, “But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.”

God has created each of us to stand out. We have different skill sets that are designed to reach a unique world. Never doubt that God can use your interest to reach the lost.

3. Our success will be a reflection of how well we care for one another and work together.

A team is successful when everyone understands the team goal and works toward it. Our goal is to follow Jesus and help others meet Him. Ephesians 5:8 says, “For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.” God has brought us out of the darkness of sin into the light of the truth. Now, we can help others experience the victory Jesus brings.

We live in a world without hope. By following Jesus, we can bring hope to a lost and hurting world. We are equipped. Matthew 5:14 says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” The way we live is to be a picture of God’s goodness for others to see. We have the Gospel, a message that can change lives in a way nothing else can. It is time to be bold in caring for others and shine the light of Jesus into dark and broken places.

We all have a role on the team. There are no benchwarmers in the church. Every day we are playing and we are equipped to win. Take pride in your role and seek an opportunity daily to be a contributing member of the church.

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