When individual ministries work together, the entire Church benefits.

This is something that’s been an ideal thought in ministry for years, but rarely becomes a reality.  Think about it.  How often do you find a Youth Pastor and Kids Pastor working together for the benefit of all students?  Or when have you noticed the Worship Pastor taking time out of their busy day to help the college ministry improve their services?

I am blessed to have a team that really does operate as a family.  As a network of family ministries, we share a common goal.  We don’t have everyone off doing their own thing…hoping for a great outcome in individuals lives.

Here’s what it looks like for us.

Everyone owns the vision:  Again, we share one common goal.  For us, we call it a ‘common thread.’  This is what connects one ministry to another.  It’s what helps a child to transition well from Kids Church to Student ministry…and from Students to our College ministry.  We have hopes for the hand-off.

Communicate well:  Our team leaders are constantly asking each other what they need from one another.  They talk about what should be learned and experienced by a student by the time they transition to the next ministry area.  If our Kids Pastor teaches what she wants without regard for what the Student Pastor will be teaching incoming middle school students, those students will have a difficult transition spiritually.

Do ministry together:  Some examples of supporting each other in ministry are setting up tables and chairs for an event that doesn’t involve us, or spending time with another staff member problem-solving an issue in their ministry.  It’s sacrificing some of your time to lend a hand to a co-worker.  If they have a big event coming up, or you see them frantically making copies, punching holes, and stapling packets…..ask if they could use some help.  Maybe you are having a busy day too.  But by even offering 5-10 minutes of your time will tell them that you see their work as valuable.  Sometime the offer becomes more support than the actual help.

Do life together:  Ok, hear this loud and clear. This RARELY involves ministry work.  99.99999% of the time this needs to be talking about our Spiritual journey with Jesus, our kids and spouses, sharing our emotional highs and lows.  Go to a ball game together.  Hang out at a favorite coffee shop (not discussing work).  Get together often, have fun, and pray for each other.  This involves humility and authenticity.

Now, these things don’t just happen over night.  It takes time and intentionality.  Place each other on your Google calendar and regard that appointment as you would with anyone else in the church.  Just because something else may come up and they are a co-worker, don’t view it as not a big deal to reschedule.  They are a big deal.  Keep that appointment.

When the church staff do life and ministry together as a real family, the church body will always benefit from it.

Where have you seen this in action?  What would you add to the five components listed above?

Please your comments below.