The Challenge of Working as a Team

The Challenge of Working as a Team A Common illustration:

Is this model too individualistic? ?

Is there something better to illustrate A biblical vision of teamwork, partnership and cooperation... Even an effective cell group? ?

Migratory Geese The Canadian Goose

Snow Geese

Lessons Source: Lessons from Geese was transcribed from a seminar by Angeles Arien in 1991, based on the work of Milton Olson. Adapted by Michael Counter. http://www.leadershipi2i.com/geese.cfm

Flying in the “V” formation

Lessons We can learn from how migratory geese fly together in the “v” formation. Fact 1:By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock has 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone. Each bird cuts the wind for the ones that follow. Lesson: Staying together we can go much farther. By sharing a common direction and sense of community can get where we are going more efficiently and using less energy because we share the task.

Lessons Fact 2: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it. Lesson: We should stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We should accept help and give our help to others always.

Lessons Fact 3: When the lead bird tires, it rotates back into the formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it. Lesson: Leadership should be shared, even more so in difficult tasks. People, cell groups and churches are at their best when they are interdependant, needing the abilities, skills, spiritual gifts and resources that others posses.

Lessons Fact 4: The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. Lesson: In groups where there is encouragement, productivity is much greater. We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. The power of encouragement (to stand by one’s heart or core values and to encourage the heart and core values of others) is the quality of honking we seek.

Lessons Fact 5: When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation to catch up with the flock. Lesson: We should stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we’re strong.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouthyou may glorify the God and Fatherof our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3

How can we fly in the “V” Formation?(Be Interdependent) A better cooperation in projects that come from our common vision and values: Planting New Churches Preparing new leaders and full-time workers Serving Cities with a vision to evangelize and multiply churches.

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3

The Challenge of Working as a Team