At International Pentecostal Church (IPC), we value our teams so much! They are an essential piece to the growth of our church. Whether it’s being a barista for our Holy Roast Cafe, an usher, praise singer, or a greeter, ALL ministries are equal in their importance.
While being a team leader, or a member can be fun, there are still some basic traits that we have to be reminded of from time to time to ensure that we are fulfilling the calling that God has for us in the right way.
So what traits must a member and leader have to be successful at IPC, or for your own church?
Rooted in a Genuine Relationship with Jesus
Possessing a genuine relationship with Jesus might not be applicable in some work situations, but when it comes to churches and Christian-based groups and organizations, this is imperative. Our IPC Team members need not only be Christians but Christians who profoundly and genuinely love Jesus and are growing in both having their identity (value, worth, security) in him and intimacy with him. Churchgoers should not only be ethically moral people but should have sincere love for Jesus.
“But whoever loves God is known by God.” (1 Corinthians 8:3)
Teachable
A teachable person demonstrates curiosity and hunger to continue to grow and learn and add value to everyone around them. They ask lots of questions and never think they know it all. They are willing to learn from anyone, at any time, on any topic.
“Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t know very much.” (1 Corinthians 8:2)
Strong Character Traits-Especially Integrity
Being a person of character is paramount. When you look at the leadership chapters in the Bible (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, 1 Peter, and Acts 20), it’s crystal clear that character trumps everything else. More leaders fall over character issues than competency issues. Just review newspaper headlines from the last several months to see proof of this. Start with character traits listed as the fruits of the spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
Team Player
The team player knows how to work in a team context by giving and taking on decisions and discussions. It doesn’t always have to go their way. They are flexible, open, and listen well during team debates and deliberations. They are willing to defer to others on the team when appropriate. It isn’t all about them but about what’s best for the entire team and the organization the IPC team serves.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalms 133:1)
Excellent People Skills
Some people seem to be natural at getting along with others: loving others, caring for others, and putting others’ feelings and desires ahead of their own (Philippians 2:1-4). Others need to work hard at it, independency on Christ, as we are more task-oriented. Wherever you are on the spectrum, it is clear that to make a maximum contribution, we all need to grow and become competent in people skills. A lot of very capable and competent people plateau somewhere along the line because they don’t have or haven’t bothered to develop people skills. The higher you rise in an organization, the more your people skills need refining. Early on, you can lead through ability/gifts, and having more knowledge than others; but, later on, most of what gets done happens through the strength of your relational network. To expand your present awareness, please take the following test at www.enneagramworldwide.com/test
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
Passionate
They are full of energy and excited about life, people, what the team is all about, and where the team is heading. They don’t know how to spell lazy, half-hearted, or mediocre. Passion is a choice, not a personality trait. Any person can become a passionate person who profoundly and genuinely cares about essential things and precious people.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)
Above-Average Competency in A Key Area
Yes, people on the IPC team need to be good (very good) at something that adds critical value to the IPC team. Being capable by itself will not guarantee them a seat at the table, but without it, they are not adding anything new and necessary to the team either. All the other things on my list of non-negotiables will aid the competencies they possess to achieve their maximum result.
“That the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17)
Join the Team
Do you desire to be a part of a team at IPC? That’s great! We always love having new volunteers that want to be a blessing in any ministry.
To see what ministries and small groups we have, you can click here to get started on our Church Center page.
If you are a new member here at IPC, the best course of action to become involved would be to join our First Steps program. This is a 4-week class that happens each month after every Sunday service. There you will learn about our church culture, as well as learn your personality type and spiritual gifts, and how those things pair with potential ministries that you may be interested in. Once you have completed those classes, then you’re well on the way to ministering and being a part of the movement that God is doing at IPC.