The Joy and Strength of Team

These past two weeks in South Africa have been a wonderful reminder of the many years we’ve shared ministry and friendship with those who carry the same heart for God’s work. What a blessing it has been to reconnect with old friends and partners in the Kingdom, seeing once again the bonds of relationship and the shared passion for His name to be lifted high.

We've had the joy of ministering at LifeHouse Church in Johannesburg and Immanuel Church in Durban. It brought to mind Paul’s letters to the churches, how deeply he held them in his heart, how much he longed to be with them, and how his love for them shaped what he wrote. Experiencing that same sense of warm, sincere connection to the body of Christ across the world was a beautiful reminder of the joy of walking this journey together, and of how much God calls us to unity, partnership, and mutual encouragement as His people.

Team is such a simple word, yet the Bible shows us again and again how powerful it is. We are not meant to walk alone. We are meant to walk together.

Scripture reminds us:

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. (Ecc 4:9-10)

How truly wonderful and delightful it is to see brothers and sisters living together in sweet unity! (Psalm 133:1)

…those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary… that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. (1 Cor 12:20-25)

From the very beginning, God Himself models teamwork. In Genesis 1:26, He says, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.” The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are in perfect unity. When Jesus walked on earth, He continued this example of teamwork by forming a team of twelve disciples, walking alongside them, teaching them, and later sending them out two by two.

And now, as born-again Christians, we too are on Jesus’ team. He places us with others, each with unique gifts, called to work together in unity without comparison. Each person is needed, and every gift contributes to the work of His Kingdom.

Many years ago, I first discovered the joy and strength of being part of a team, and it forever shaped how I approached ministry. When I stepped into leading Sunday School, I had little experience, but with a group of youth and friends, we built a team that created a joyful, life-giving space for children. Together, we went on to start a Bible Vacation School each year and ministered to a nearby underprivileged community, eventually reaching 700 children with love, learning, and gifts at Christmas. None of it could have happened alone. It was the kindness of God and the heart of a team that made it all possible.

My hope is that others will be encouraged to do the same: to build teams, to join them, to celebrate the gifts of others, and to share your own. To not worry about comparison, but to trust, depend on, and honor one another. To live out the body of Christ the way Jesus intended: together, in unity, reflecting His glory in every shared effort.

When we choose this path, we not only accomplish more, but we experience the joy, growth, and strength that God designed for His people. We see His heart for relationship, His delight in unity, and His power working through His body when we embrace one another fully.

Together, we can reach farther, grow stronger, and reflect the Kingdom in a way that no one could do alone. That is the joy and strength of team, and the beautiful gift of walking life together in the body of Christ.