No one ministers alone. We are all members of the body of Christ; thus, we are always called to minister alongside one other. Being sinners, sometimes we fall in the trap of jealousy, suspicion, and insecurity. Healthy leaders promote a spirit of cooperation among their colleagues (members, constituents, colleagues, and regional and national leaders). In this assignment, we will examine (a) ways of becoming leaders whose attitudes enhance mutual cooperation and (b) the biblical basis for doing so.

Tasks:
Step 1: Choose one of the scenarios below to discuss in this week’s post.

Scenario 1: You are called to lead a small church, and have begun thinking you’re the leader because you are the pastor. In reality, there is an “Indian chief” within the congregation who gives approval for major decisions. You slowly realize that you are the “visiting medicine man.”

Once you realize that such a dynamic is in place, how do you deal with your disillusionment before God? What conversations do you have with God about your role as the shepherd of the flock? Finally, how do you adjust your leadership and communication styles to become a cooperative and effective leader for Christ’s sake?

Scenario 2: You direct a small organization where “not for profit” is the order of the day! Joanna New Girl joins the staff, thinking she is the star of the show. She is quite talented and engaging. You have, for the sake of your organization, given her work that is the passion of another staff member. A spirit of resentment builds among your once loyal team. You struggle to maintain a spirit of cooperation—rather than a spirit of competition—among the staff.

How do you respond to the situation? What prayers do you utter to God? What guidance do you seek, if any? What leadership skills do you demonstrate to create an environment of cooperation?

Scenario 3: Write a scenario that is more applicable to your calling.

Task continued:
Identify your scenario of choice and, in 400–500 words, post your responses to the following:

Explain how you choose to offer leadership in and toward a spirit of cooperation rather than competition in your chosen scenario. What are the ethical guidelines that inform your decision?
Offer biblical references—using either characters or scripture passages—that support leading with a spirit of unity and cooperation.
Discuss the ways in which God desires to build your character toward becoming more cooperative. What do you need to release from your heart, or add to it, to become more internally cooperative without giving up appropriate power and authority?