At Team Night, our Lead Pastor Matt Sparks shared six ways we can put first things first as we serve in our ministry teams.
The call from Jesus is clear! Seek first his kingdom (Matthew 6:33) for it is supremely valuable (Matthew 13:44). This year our desire is to do just that—to give our best for what matters most and put #firstthingsfirst.
How can you do that in the context of your team?
1. Give your best, not what’s left
Part of our team culture is to pursue excellence. We can’t do that when we give simply from the leftovers of our busy schedules. Both God and others deserve our best.
2. Serve from your identity, not for it
We don’t serve in order to earn the Father’s approval, or win approval from others. We serve from our secure gospel-formed identity as beloved children of God. Before Jesus performed any miracles or preached a single sermon, the Father said, “This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This is true of you—in Christ—as well!
3. Realise that serving is also about getting, not just giving
Paul knew this truth when he said to the church in Rome, “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each others’ faith, both yours and mine.” It’s almost as if Paul catches himself and corrects his thinking … ministry isn’t just about me giving, it’s also about us getting!
4. See the whole picture, not just your part
It’s easy to lose the forest from the trees! What you’re a part of is bigger than the part you play. Seeing the whole picture give us a greater sense of achievement. We can say, “We did this”! It also spares us from siloing and thinking that our team is the only team! So look up on a Sunday, see what others are doing, and rejoice that we get to do this together.
5. OWN IT!
There’s often a noticeable difference between an owner and an employee. An owner often notices the little things, goes the extra mile, and shows initiative. Whereas as employees sometimes do the bare minimum. This team is your team! Don’t wait for someone else to fix a problem! Your team leader loves team members with initiative and ownership. Somebody say, “Own it”!
6. Fill up before you give out
A car that keeps driving without filling up will soon run out of petrol. The same is true of us. We want our serving to be from the overflow of our abiding and joy in Jesus. Make sure you fill up before you give out.