Churches rise and fall on the strength of their leadership teams.

Good teams can accomplish anything. Bad teams? Nothing.

I spend most of my day finding key staff people for churches, mostly really large churches (through FaithSearch Partners). In that work, I get to be around some of the very best leaders and teams in church work. I’m convinced that the difference maker in the most effective churches in the country is not their plan, their tech, or some secret ingredient.

The difference maker is the strength of their teams.

Recently, the Gallup Journal listed an article (read it here) outlining their study of stronger than average teams. They listed five traits that strong teams have in common:

1. Conflict doesn’t destroy strong teams because strong teams focus on results.

2. Strong teams prioritize what’s best for the organization, then move forward.

3. Members of strong teams are as committed to their personal lives as they are to their work.

4. Strong teams embrace diversity.

5. Strong teams are magnets for talent.

I couldn’t help but think about how the leaders of the early church fit all of these markers. I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if we were to strive for those marks in our teams.

How does your group measure up? If you are a leader, this question should haunt you. What changes need to be made to take you to a stronger level? I hope the marks and the article stir up good thoughts and actions, and that everyone’s team gets stronger.

Remember what was said of those early church leaders, that they were the ones “who had turned the world upside down.”

Looking forward to seeing your teams turn it upside down too!

William

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