Session 8: Better Together - Building a Called and Balanced Team

Introduction

• Focus: Building a team to help a church plant thrive as a family
• Importance of having a team in church planting
  • Teams lead to greater success (e.g., partnerships in business)
  • Concepts from Bob Logan's "The Church Planting Journey"

Why a Team is Important

• Support and Encouragement
  • Prevents quitting by sharing encouragement and joy
• Utilizes Complimentary Gifts
  • Different skills and passions among team members
• Gains Wisdom
  • Multiple perspectives are better
• Shares Burdens and Joys
  • Doubles joy, halves pain
• Focus on Important Tasks
  • Reduces distractions and encourages commitment

Types of Teams in Church Planting

1. Prayer Team
   • At least 50 committed members
   • Includes a more confidential inner circle
2. Advisory Board
   • Outside elders for wise counsel
   • Protects from outside influences
3. Partnership Coalition
   • Includes individuals, churches, businesses providing support
4. Core Group (Main Focus)
   • Day-to-day workers
   • Diverse backgrounds
   • Strong in calling, character, and competency

Principles of Building a Core Group

• Jesus as a Model
  • Preached vision and invited followers
  • Diverse backgrounds of disciples
• Core Group Characteristics
  • Committed to the mission
  • Roles in outreach, worship, community building
• Variations of Core Groups
  • Members on loan from other churches
  • Launch Teams for temporary roles

Leadership within the Core Group

• Key Leadership Team
  • Committed and able to lead through challenges
  • Multipliers: Train and deploy others
  • Serve with a humble heart

Selecting the Right Team Members

• Pray for Discernment
  • Pray for the right leaders
  • Use passages like Matthew 9:37-38
• Consider Team Needs
  • Spiritual leadership roles (e.g., apostle, prophet, evangelist)
  • Balance strengths and weaknesses
• Align Vision and Mission
  • Use vision, mission, and values to recruit and filter members

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Vision Alignment
  • Dangers of "mission drift"
  • Consistent communication of vision
• Appropriate Recruitment
  • Ensure team shares core beliefs
  • Define expectations and roles clearly

Conclusion

• Building a balanced and committed team is crucial for a successful church plant.
• Regularly communicate vision to maintain direction and unity.
• Pray for guidance and discernment in team selection and development.