Mark 3: 13-21

Recurrent Thought

The benefits of work teams are so immense such that we all must intentionally invest in their construction

Jesus built the Twelve Apostles into a formidable A-star team.  Through this team, God unleashed a generational domino-effect that reverberates until now. Every team to survive must have a purpose and a clear vision. Jesus’ Team was built around the purpose of spreading the Good News of a New Kingdom.

Jesus A-Team

1. Peter
2. John
3. James
4. Andrew,
5. Philip,
6. Barthlomew also known as Nathanael
7. James, the Younger; the son of Alphaeus
8. Thaddaeus also known as Judas
9. Matthew, brother to James the Younger
10. Thomas, Didymus,
11. Simon, the Zealot
12. Judas Iscariot

Why Twelve?

Why did he choose twelve instead of another number? Some suggest that the twelve was symbolic for a mission to the whole Israel. While others emphasis the Leadership concept and infer that the twelve is a number for governments or the capacity to lead (“chieftains” and “heads” Num 1:5-16). The last view is that the number twelve (12) invokes covenant establishment and renewal as stated in Rev. 21:14.

Leading Teams

Before articulating part of the nuts and bolts of forming teams, we should emphasize the role of the leaders in teams. Team Leaders’ roles include to influence, arbitrate and discipline. Leaders steer the team to the right direction. Leaders also stir the dreams and passions of its members.

Four Lessons on Team Construction

1. Effective Teams are constructed with Members full of Diversity
   • Jesus called diverse people. He picked men with different personalities and backgrounds
   • Four of them were fishermen; one tax collector, one was a freedom fighter, one was a philosopher, social connector, etc.
   • People who are diverse view things differently.
   • The natural consequences of diversity will be the temptation of comparison
   • But honestly, this is a strength and not a weakness. You want members on your team who sees things differently from you. Their differences were actually their strengths
   • Effective Teams benefit From Diversity
   • Interpersonal conflict arises because we fail to understand one another.
     Some NT Epistles writes vividly on interpersonal conflicts which are a result of diversity.
   • Give me some grace, I am just different. Accept me for who I am
2. Teams are constructed with Imperfect People.
   • Jesus called imperfect people; He also knew they were imperfect
   • Notice the subtle introduction in some members that are put in the list.
     • Simon Peter: Denied Jesus during his harshest time
     • John and James: Boanerges or Sons of Thunder. Hot tempered
     • Barthlomew: The cynic, can anything come out of Nazareth
     • Thomas:  Doubter
     • Mathew:  Perceived exploiter and a friend of enemies
     • Simon, the Zealot:  Freedom Fighter
     • Judas Iscariot: The one who betrayed him
   • Every team has flawed members. What makes the difference is the attitude of its members towards change and positive living
   • The growth and development of a team is therefore determined by the increased maturity of its members.
   • Give me some grace for I am not perfect; God is working on me
3. Every Team is as Strong as its Members.
   • It does not matter the conditions and circumstances prevailing at the time. The team is its people.
   • The strength of a Team is dependent on the quality of its members. We determine the quality individually with what we bring to the table. Everyone of us we are made people. It is said that you are 10% what is acted on You and 90% how you react
   • Of the truth, there are great inputs into humans that increases their capacities for performance, but it is the persons themselves that determine how far they go.
   • The apostles had Jesus as the mentor, teacher and coach; they also had the power of the Holy Spirit that descendent on them. Here is the truth, the inputs in my live gives me increase and acceleration only to the level I permit them through my attitude and ability to take advantage of the same
   • As You develop a team, or you work within one, it is critical to remind oneself that the quality of your team depends on you as a person. For now, ignore the environment and any outside inputs: You are the determinant of the quality of your team. When your attitude stinks, your team sinks.
   • Effective team leaders based on their strong character maximize the ability to take advantage of environments, relations and all incentives found within their zone of operations.
   • Perceptive Christ-devoted followers become fully aware of the season, favor and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
   • The Maturity of a Team depends on its members piloting and gaining from the various experiences they encounter
   • Time and difficult situation always test the commitment of members of the team. But it is through the valley that people learn to appreciate mountain tops
   • Jesus, through various circumstances, led and guided the development of his team.
   • With determination from both leaders and members, teams develop into mature ones
   • Zonal Leadership Teams, Cell Teams must aim to grow the teams, deliberately.
   • Let us give grace to one another; the growth of our team depends on all of us
4. Empowerment of the Spirit increases the Effectiveness of Teams
   • The Acts of the Apostles shows the impact of the Holy Spirit on a community willing to follow him
   • They are changed from fearful to courageous followers of Christ.
   • One essential event that catapulted the Church from the fearful disciples to the courageous ones is the advent of the Holy Spirit. The difference in these apostles is lifechanging, it is massive
   • Thus, every Zone leadership team must aim to depend and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit
   • Give me some grace, I depend on His Presence. Without him I can do nothing

Altar Time

1. Praying that God allows you to appreciate your team members
2. Praying that God allows you to escape negative thinking of yourself