As I neared the end of my race this past May, I started to make a list of some of the lessons I learned while Team Leading on the field (my intention being to share some tips with future TLs out there). It was a difficult journey, but a beautiful one…and God was faithful in showing me the way in every new/uncomfortable situation I encountered. This is just a snippet of what I took away from my time in leadership on the race, but I hope that it will be an aid and encouragement to some of you TLs as you continue to learn and grow in your role! Disclaimer…these aren’t in order of importance (except for number 1).
So, here is my advice to you:
1. Make quality time with the Lord a non-negotiable…even if that means waking up at 5am before ministry. You need that time – to seek His guidance, and to remain at peace. When you are filled up and rejuvenated by the Lord, and you are spending time in His Word, you will find your rest and affirmation in Him alone. He is enough. There were times on the race when I felt I was pouring out and pouring out to my team, but no one was pouring into me. My mind was in the wrong place, because in actuality I can give all that I have and get nothing in return…because Jesus gives me all that I need. Remain in close communion with Him. If you take nothing else from this blog, take this one to heart!
2. Take things to God first before other people…conflicts, tough decisions, frustrations, etc. Don’t gossip. (Psalm 37:7 “forsake anger and turn from wrath, fret not yourself it only tends to evil.”)
3. If someone somehow hurts or offends you and you’re tempted to say something in the moment, WAIT. Bite your tongue and just wait…like 10-30 minutes. Give yourself time to clear your head and you will save yourself grief that comes with saying something in the heat of the moment. I’ve found that 90% of the time, I don’t even end up saying anything because after spending time reflecting on the situation and asking God about it, I gain a clearer perspective and a sense of peace. (Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”)
4. Make a conscious effort to spend 1:1 time with each teammate. Get to know everyone on a deeper level. Find creative ways to encourage each teammate to spend 1:1 time with your other team members. The stronger the 1:1 relationships are, the stronger and healthier the team is overall.
5. Avoid making decisions based on the approval of others. Take every decision to God and rely on His guidance. People will not like every decision you make, and you’ll make mistakes, but if you are seeking the Lord’s heart in every decision, there is grace for mistakes. (Galatians 1:10 “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”)
6. Find an intentional way to create space for the team to be open and honest – to share what is going on in their lives: personal struggles, celebrations, things going on back home, whatever it may be. My team started incorporating a time called “Real Talk” into our team times. We did it a few times a week. This space was helpful because in the midst of ministry days, it can be hard to talk about the “deeper things.” There isn’t much time in-between activities, or you don’t have each others’ undivided attention. Leaving this time for people to open up fostered healthy relationships and a healthier team overall.
7. Make worship and prayer a norm.
8. Lead by example, acting with integrity. Don’t ask your team to do anything you wouldn’t do yourself.
9. Just because your team is struggling doesn’t mean you need to be struggling. But also, just because your team is thriving doesn’t mean you can’t struggle! And know that the health of your teammates is not necessarily a result of your leadership.
10. Ask hard and thoughtful questions, speak difficult truths, and regularly encourage your teammates. Be a servant leader, and go out of your way to make your teammates feel special. Find small ways to bless your team. And as hard as it can be, don’t expect anything in return. The Lord delights in the work of your hands, and He sees all.
11. Seek to remain joyful in the midst of trials and tough times. Find contentment in God alone, and don’t let circumstances or people steal your joy.
12. Your identity doesn’t come from your leadership position, your identity comes from the one who created you.
13. Each month ask yourselves, “are we thriving or surviving?” and talk about it as a team.
Your adequacy is not in your own ability to succeed. God has called you to this place in life. He will equip you with everything you need. There is a quote that says, “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.” Trust that the Lord goes before you, beside you, behind you, and within you. Deuteronomy 31:8…”The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
You’ve got this!
Much love,
EQ
