TEAM UP!

Team Up!

The last three bible studies we had were all about the same thing—Teaming. I know what you’re thinking: Why would you spend three weeks on one topic? Is there really that much to talk about when it comes to the concept of teaming? or maybe even Who taught you how to lead a bible study? All of which would be valid questions that I would have rather short answers to. We spent three weeks on it because it is important to the collective growth of our ministry. The concept of teaming could be months worth of bible study material so, yes there is plenty to talk about. As for the last question…no one did! In the eyes of many I am probably unqualified to be leading, but that is one of the great things about our God. He did not bring me here because I was the perfect candidate, He chose to use me because my skills are very limited and He can cover the gap from where my skills end and the truth about His glory begin!

One of my most feared things about school was when the teacher decided to let the students pick their own groups. Those days always led to me slowly walking up to the teacher’s desk and sadly telling the teacher that no one wanted me to be in their group, then the teacher would awkwardly force a group to accept me. It was unbearably obvious growing up that I was not the kind of guy people wanted on their team. Imagine my surprise when I was told that the God who had created me was patiently waiting for me to join His team. A team that would stand the test of time, and never think less of me for not being able to pull my own weight. A team that welcomed me with all my ignorance and was ready to show and teach me truth. A team that linked me with people that loved me because it was the right thing to do, and not simply to gain something from me. It is an incredible experience being a part of a team like that!

Some scripture we looked at over the past few weeks for our bible study is 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. This passage shows us how God’s team works: “varieties of gifts…varieties of service…varieties of activities”. God’s team is about being active, being a servant, but most importantly being together. These gifts, services, and activities come from a specific part of the Trinity—Father, Son, Holy Spirit. “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord(Son); and there are varieties of activities, but the same God(Father) who empowers them all in everyone” verse 4-6. The God who created everyone and everything has set an example for us to know the importance of a well put together team and how that is what empowers the ministry! Think about the teams you have been on for a moment, and reflect on if they had these cornerstones. Now think about the kind of teams you would like to be a part of. Would it not be awesome to be on a team that has the driving force of the Trinity behind it?!

I would like to leave you with a quote from a gentleman whose name is Mike Elder (a friend of the author of Leadership Essentials: Shaping Vision, Multiplying Influence, Defining Character , the book we use in our bible study). “We don’t have it all together, but together we have it all.” Our hope is that you never feel like we have it all together or have all the answers here at Camp Ba-Yo-Ca, but that you know together, with your support in prayer, financial giving, and all the other ways you help, we have it all!!