When you were in school, did you get excited when a teacher tasked you to work in a group instead of working individually?  Or did you dread it?  Managing group dynamics can be a challenge, especially with a new team. If you have a new ministry team, or even new team members, here are a few things that might help as you are learning to work together:

• Build a foundation. Get to know one another. Plan a teambuilding activity outside of the office and have a little fun.
• Discover your strengths. There are a variety of personality and spiritual gifts tests available.  Choose one that you like and have your team take it.  Then, compile the results and look at the big picture of your team.  Identify the strengths of each person and consider how you can delegate things to let them serve within their areas of strength.
• Pray together. Make it a priority to pray together as a team.  Lift up your ministry and any other requests that are shared.
• Schedule check-ins. Meet together as a team to review current projects and progress.  If something needs further attention, discuss it as a group and brainstorm possible solutions.  
• Listen first. When you’re working closely with other people, dealing with conflict is inevitable.  But sometimes what seems like a conflict is really just a misunderstanding.  Before you make assumptions, listen and ask questions.  Then, talk it through and find a resolution.
• Let them know you care.  As a leader, it’s important to let your team know that you care about them as individuals. Take the time to thank them for what they do, letting them know that you appreciate them.

Working effectively as a team can take time, but it will be time well spent.  There is joy in serving on a team that is hardworking and dedicated to the same mission.  As the ministry leader, it’s your job to set your team up for success and create an environment where that joy can thrive.  What are your best tips for working well together as a team?  We would love to hear them!