RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Teamwork is a vital part of leading a children's ministry. 

And great teamwork is the result of great team members playing to their strengths.  It results in a harmony that produces great results. 

What would your teammates say if we asked them about you as a team member?  Would they say you gel with the rest of the team?  Would they say you are a great team member?

Teamwork is so important in helping teams complete projects.  You could compare it to a sports team.  Players work together to achieve their goals.  The pitcher pitches.  The first baseman covers his or her base.  The outfielders cover their part of the field.  As each person on the team steps into their role, they are able to perform with excellence. 

The same principles are at work on a children's ministry or family ministry  team.  Each person on the team must work together by contributing their skill to the mix of gifts and talents.  Here are some basic areas that can help you be a great team member.

Be all in.  Show other team members that you are committed.  Give it your very best.  Contribute everything you can.  Be committed to doing things with excellence.

Be someone the team can count on.  Complete your assignments on time.  Show up on time.  Share your ideas and thoughts on projects.  

Be a listener.  Show respect and honor to other team members when they are sharing their thoughts, ideas and insight.  This applies to meetings and to one-on-one conversations.  Let them finish their thoughts before jumping in with yours. 

Active listening takes effort.  Our natural tendency, when we hear something we don't agree with, is to stop listening and internally begin formulating our rebuttal.  Resist the temptation to do this and continue listening and receiving their thoughts.   

Help other team members.  Be willing to chip in and help your fellow team members, even if the task is not on your job description. 

Treat other team members with respect and honor. If you want respect, then you have to show respect. 

Admit it when you are wrong.  There will be times when your thoughts or direction is wrong.  Lay aside your pride and admit it.  Your team members will respect you for it.

Ideas are ideas.   When you share an idea, detach yourself from it and see it for what it is....an idea.  Lay it on the table and let everyone think about it and discuss it without you pushing for it simply because it was your idea.

Be a problem solver.  Others may shrink back or avoid having to solve a problem.  Especially if it's not their problem.  A great team member steps up and helps solve problems.

Be flexible.  Change happens.  Often.  Great team members don't freak out when changes directly affect them.  They compromise when needed versus rigidly demanding that their idea is the best. 

How are you doing right now as a team member?  Consider these questions and work on areas that you score low in.  You can be a great team member, if you will focus on these areas.