Winter 2006

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles Email this page

To be a team requires at least two things: unity in purpose and commitment to a group dynamic. In other words, it doesn't mean team if individuals merely work on the same staff as independent contractors who oversee separate domains.

We know, as followers of Christ, that biblically we are all members of one body. We are not to be isolated or in competition with each other. On the contrary, the apostle Paul plainly says that "there should be no division" in the body (1 Cor. 12:25). Instead there should be a striking unity in the body and on our ministry teams.

Regardless of one's view of the role of women in ministry, virtually all Christians agree that ministry teams can be staffed with both males and females. Most of us agree that it's God's plan for men and women to serve him together corporately.

Let me offer some practical insights partly garnered from my own experience and partly gained from others. Three main attitudes—respect, humility, and love—are needed in every leader who wants to harvest the full blessing that a mixed gender team can bring.

Men love to be respected, and they hate to be disrespected, especially by a woman. Though women in the church already know this, they don't always realize what showing respect to men entails. From a woman's perspective, it isn't necessarily disrespectful, for instance, to interrupt a man mid-sentence. Though to him it may appear that she simply cut him off—which is obviously disrespectful—to her she just got excited and overlapped his speech—which is perfectly acceptable, even affirming.

According to Deborah Tannen in You Just Don't Understand: Women and Men in Conversation, women typically talk simultaneously to each other. To them, doing ...

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 26,671 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership Journal, or Books & Culture. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "CT Library" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter! All fields required. Full Name: Zip Code: Email Address:   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.