A person can learn a lot from being part of an organization for 26 of the 30 years of its existence. I’ve been very privileged to be part of Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF) since 1989. The leadership lessons are too many to enumerate in one post!
I first attended a CCF Bible Study as a young teenager in April 1989. Shortly after, I recall being welcomed at a Sunday Service with the other first-timers. That same month, I went to a Youth Camp without knowing anyone who was coming.
I finally understood the gospel and began a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Thus, my spiritual adventure began. And what a ride it has been!
Thanks to the many volunteer roles and pastors’ meetings that I’ve been invited to, I had a front row seat on what God was doing through His church. I saw the way the leaders prayed to God, worked as a team, and made decisions.
These helped me be a better team leader in my family, the church, and even for myself. Here are but a few of them.
1. I must have a Clear Mission and Purpose
The leaders were crystal clear about why this organization exists. Project proposals are assessed if it contributes to the mission.
For any team I’m leading, I must be clear why it exists in the first place. This makes it easier for me to say “Yes” to activities that contribute to its purpose. It also helps me say “No” to activities that don’t fully add to it.
I must remember: “Activity does NOT always equal to Productivity”
2. My Passion should be so Manifested, that it’s Contagious.
I saw leaders who sacrificed their time, gave up careers, and went out of their comfort zones. It’s so contagious that the people around them, like me, also became passionate in seeing the vision become reality.
Because of this contagious passion, more volunteers sign up and want to join in fulfilling the purpose of the team. They see that doing this is worth their time and effort.
3. “Teamwork makes the Dream Work”
John Maxwell’s quote is so evident with the roles which each leader performed. I was privileged to lead the Youth Ministry, now called “Elevate”. Others were assigned with the building project, administration, pastoral care, single adults, children, training, missions, and recovery programs to name a few.
Another John Maxwell quote with my revision is:
“ ‘ONE’, is too small a number to achieve a great vision. ”
Teamwork was seen when we were all supporting each other with advise, encouragement and prayer.
4. I should value Relationships over Responsibilities
The leaders were serious in getting the tasks done. However, I’ve seen them stop to take time with people, especially those who are going through a hard time. Whether it’s to pray, socialize, or simply by their presence, these leaders show that they care.
I’ve observed that there’s a correlation between building relationships and more responsibilities getting done. I find out their strengths, passions and concerns when I spend time with them. I then get to challenge them to be more involved in the mission, and they usually respond positively.
5. Humility makes the Team more United and Productive
CCF by far, is not a perfect church. It is led by imperfect leaders. But in more than one instance, I witnessed this virtue in action.
- They Listen: They don’t have all the best ideas in the world. So they value the contribution of people.
- They Change: They make mistakes too. But they do better the next time around.
- They Grow: Being a better servant is a life-long process. So they attend conferences, educational tours, read books and articles in order to improve.
Leading is a fact of life. I can lead teams in different settings: Family, Church, a community group. It’s not easy. Implementing some of these principles can bring about a team that’s united, excited, and productive.
A great bible verse is in Ephesians 4:16 “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
Posted on: September 4, 2014
Discussion Question:
What team leadership principle do you hope to implement more in your own setting? Share your inputs below.