People of Hope:
Deacon Connie, Lynn, and Joni like to say, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” After we have accomplished something together, after we have collectively solved a problem, after we have taken responsibility for our particular pieces of the ministry puzzle, these words are a cheer. Teamwork makes the dream work. These words might be spoken somewhat in jest, and of course there are certain tasks that are better suited to one person working alone. But in ministry and in life, one of us working alone cannot accomplish what we can do together.
For at least the last several years at Esperanza, there have been few committees working on projects together. Fortunately, you all are exceptionally talented and generous with your time, and many people have taken on projects as individuals. While this has been effective for some ministries, there are a few problems that can result from a lack of teamwork.
First, when an individual, apart from a ministry team, takes on a ministry, they are likely to get burned out on that ministry. I have heard multiple members of Esperanza say things like “I coordinated that ministry for 5 years (or 15 or 20 years!) but I just couldn’t do it anymore.” When individuals take on a ministry, instead of a team, people feel like they can’t ever give up the ministry because, they ask, “Who would do it?” It’s a reasonable question when there are no ministry teams. Stepping into a position where you alone are expected to carry off the entire project is understandably daunting or maybe just undesirable.
Second, when an individual, apart from a team, takes on a ministry, no one else knows how to do it. When the same person completes the same tasks or coordinates the same event every year and doesn’t really involve anyone else in the process, only that person knows everything involved. That ministry can certainly continue without that person, but a new leader will be starting from scratch.
Third, when one person leads a ministry, that ministry may — though not always — reflect the desires of only that person and not the congregation at large.
Similarly, a fourth concern is that when one person leads a ministry, that person may end up having too much power instead of sharing power across the congregation.
Finally, when individuals take on projects apart from ministry teams, congregations can sometimes take on too many projects! When ministries go before a larger team, the team considers the wider breadth of ministries and assesses the capacity of the congregation to be involved in more projects.
Not all of these problems are showing up at Esperanza, but in an effort to make ministry sustainable, last year the council members each became a liaison to a ministry team. Some of the teams meet; some of them don’t. But in the next few months, the hope is for council members to gather others in our community who are passionate about a particular aspect of ministry and to make a plan for ministry going forward … since teamwork makes the dream work.
The ministry teams and their council liaisons are:
- Property — Craig Peck
- Finance — Michael Paradise
- Outreach — Chris Armfield
- Worship & Music — Paige Somero
- Fellowship — Julie Valenzuela
- Welcoming — Susan Brown
- Stewardship — Chuck Yount
- Education — Beth Leaf
- Communication — Michael Paradise
If you are interested in serving on a ministry team to help make a plan, cast a vision, and have fun doing it, please contact the council member listed above for the team in which you have interest! Teamwork really does make the dream work.
Pastor Sarah