Insights Into the Power of Unity: Ephesians 4:16

 "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love"(Ephesians 4:16, KJV). https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Ephesians-4-16

Greetings,

The concept behind gardening and farming is that it is vital that the irrigation hoses are maintained and joined correctly. "If there is an obstruction in the water output, the flow of water will be disrupted." causing the hoses to burst. Improper maintenance of the hoses and connections can lead to leaks, resulting in a lack of water supply to the plants' commonly grown areas, ultimately hindering the growth and productivity of the plants. 

It's essential to ensure proper maintenance of the hoses to prevent such instances from occurring. Likewise, as appropriate connections are vital in farming and gardening, we must remain sufficiently connected to Christ and our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

The imagery suggests that growing and working together has benefits, namely growth. Just as important is that the Gospel be taught and spoken in truth. Without this acknowledgment, the Gospel becomes polluted and not understandable to all. We must refrain from deceiving those we minister to through error and immaturity. Also, verse 15 of Ephesians states, "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head even Christ." 

The truth we share is found only in Jesus Christ. 

Our continuance in the growth and knowledge of Christ produces an understanding of how significant each member is in the body of Christ. In essence, the goal of working together is unity.

 

How is this accomplished?

 

Through Grace given, each member of the body of Christ has been given spiritual gifts (Romans 12:6-8) for "perfecting of the saints, for the work of ministry; for the of the body of Christ" Ephesians 4:12. The Word of God says at least one gift. However, with that one spiritual gift, our responsibility is to discover your gift and minister in how the Spirit empowers us. As we mature spiritually and become more like Christ, our relationships with other believers strengthen, allowing for growth as each person contributes (vs. 16). 

What person ministering the Word of God does not want to experience growth? 

Even if we do not hold a leadership position in the church, such as a pastor or elder, we still play a crucial part in the body of Christ. We all can contribute towards the growth and building up of others in our unity through Christ.

Question: What would you say to someone who argues that one can have a strong relationship with Christ without being involved in a community of believers?

The Power of Unity,

Minister Sylvia Joyner

Leadership Requires A Team Ministry Perspective

God still expects his people to operate from a kingdom perspective. Knowing our roles and purpose as leaders is vitally important to see it from God's perspective. Hiebert (2008) notes that being in covenant with others acknowledges worldviews as the organizational foundation of those cultures. Team ministry is the vehicle by which God uses various individuals' skills, personalities, and abilities to carry out the mandate of Matthew 28: 18-20. 

The overarching question throughout focuses on one question, "Why team ministry" (Temple, 2019). One response is that team ministry is biblical. God reveals biblical examples of effective and ineffective team ministry throughout the biblical narrative. Focused on teaching leaders today what composes a biblical team. It is essential to distinguish team ministry purposed in mission and methods. VanEngen (2018) stresses a biblical worldview is God-focused, as expressed in the Genesis account (VanEngen, 2018). As a leader, this writer recognizes the importance of a Biblical-based approach that is God-driven and meets God's approval. In particular, team ministry is a biblical ministry, which characterizes God's plan for authentic community in building and increasing trust among teams working with diverse communities locally and in other countries (Temple, 2019).  

For example, throughout the Old and New Testaments are effective leadership teams and ineffective leadership teams observed from two models, Moses and Aaron and Jesus and the Disciples (Temple, 2019). Other examples are seen in how Paul trains and instructs his leadership team. Objectively, leaders lead others, but they also must model Christlikeness. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul writes to the Christian church at Corinth, admonishing his followers to "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (New International Bible, 2011/2021).

Greater still, the book of Genesis 1:26-27 declares that man was made in God's image and in His likeness, pinpointing a view about human behavior (Erickson, 2013). Yes, Jesus is one's excellent example in modeling positive behavior and positive relationships. Furthermore, leadership is about relationships, and administration operates on the knowledge that leaders lead others by example in their commitment to God, self, and others. This writer understands the importance of biblical leadership focused on God's purpose for team ministry. The words expressed by Jesus to His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20 are team-focused, "Then Jesus came to them and said," (New International Bible, 2011/2021). 

Lencioni (2002) discusses five negative attitudes that will produce ineffective team performances, noted as "inattention to results, absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment and avoidance of accountability" (Lencioni, 2002, p. 97). The easiest way to forfeit one's leadership calling is to give up as a team leader. This writer clearly understands that leading people requires an understanding of self and others.  

As leader and manager, Paul provides three foundational principles, which serve the Christian leader or a leader/manager in other environments. Cited are a clearly defined mission (1 Corinthians 1:17, a consistent confirmation of the fundamental values and communication (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), a leader's ability to communicate effectively to all team members (1 Corinthians 9: 19-23) (Howell, 2003).

Practical Applications That Will improve Your Leadership of Teams 

The quest of leading effectively in team ministry is equally biblical and practical. This writer agrees with the statement. Why? Because the combination of the two approaches creates a strong bond toward improving leadership teams. One example, practical measures to ensure that all team members will be a part of the totality of the group. Secondly, individuals on the team must be recognized for their particular skills and abilities. In essence, practical approaches are approaches anyone can implement. Too many times, leaders harbor biases against certain people and use these cultural differences to disrupt the team goal. 

Steven Covey the author Seven Habits of Highly Effective People once said, “Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall.”  

References

Erickson, M. J. (2013). Christian theology. 3rd. ed. Baker Academic.

Hiebert, P. G. (2008). Transforming worldviews: An anthropological understanding of how

people change. (Wordsearch Version). https://app.wordsearchbible.com

Howell, D. N. (2003). Servants of the servant: A biblical theology of leadership.

            Wipf & Stock Publishers.

New International Version. (2011). New International Bible Online.

 https://www.biblegateway.com

Stephen Covey. (n.d.). AZQuotes.com. 

Temple, T. (2019). Biblical principles for team ministry. [Video]. https://libertyuniversity.

Temple, T. (2019). Why team ministry? Part 2. [Video]. https://libertyuniversity.

Van Engen, R.  (2018). Presentation: God created organizations.  [Video].

https://learn.liberty.edu/webapps/blackboard/content/