Articles
Stronger Teams
Stronger Teams
Thom Vaught
Many parents remember fondly the days of youth soccer. We cheered on as what seemed like a single pack of children in different color jerseys chased the ball up and down the field. Each player was focused solely on reaching the ball and driving it toward the goal. Although we enjoyed those years we realize there was not a lot of teamwork happening on that field.
As children mature and start playing club soccer they realize having every individual chase the ball is not an effective team strategy. They learn the value of spreading out and passing the ball as well as the value each position on the field brings to the team.
Sometimes as adults we need reminders of these lessons of youth. A church is not stronger when every member is a preacher or teacher. Neither is a church stronger when every member is extrovert or introvert. However, we sometimes fall into the trap of trying to judge our brethren based on the position we fill on God's team. This is not new because Paul dealt with this same problem within churches of the first century. In particular, the church at Corinth allowed this attitude to cause problems within their church family (1 Corinthians 12:14-26).
Each of us should focus on how we can serve the family using the talents God has given. However, let us all have the awareness to see the vital role members who are not like us play within the church family. If we can do those two things, then we will have a stronger and more united team as a result. Given that strength and unity, God is able to accomplish things through us that we can scarcely imagine.
