1. Biblical Foundation for Teamwork
John 17:21 — When disciples are unified, the world believes in Christ's incarnation. Ephesians 4:13, Romans 12:5, Matthew 18:20, Psalm 133:1, Ecclesiastes 4:12 — Unity and collaboration are the core foundation of mission.
2. Key Keywords of Teamwork
Together — The 4th Lausanne Congress slogan: "Let the Church Declare and Display Christ Together."
Collaboration — Utilizing each person's unique gifts in a complementary way to achieve a common goal.
Cooperation — Multiple entities joining forces to increase efficiency and execution.
Networking — Stakeholders forming a cooperative network.
Convergent Mission — The Church (Modality) and Mission Organizations (Sodality) working together to send resources to the field.
Polycentric Mission — A paradigm where all regions, not just one, become the center of mission.
3. Strategic Team (ST)
A team ministry model developed by the IMB. Units of ~5 people, with 4-5 units forming one ST. After the first missionary's field study, subsequent members enter simultaneously or sequentially. Centered on a Strategic Coordinator (SC), large-scale ministry is handled as a team.
Advantages: Mutual encouragement, counsel, and continuity during sabbaticals.
Disadvantages: Limited independent ministry, potential relational friction.
4. Factors that Harm Teamwork & Solutions
Interpersonal issues → Restore worship, deep prayer and repentance, Holy Spirit retreat, continuous dialogue.
Ministry sharing/cooperation problems → Appropriate task distribution through dialogue.
Personal spiritual issues → Daily devotion, Scripture reading, seeking the Holy Spirit's touch.
Relationship with local church → Apply partnership mission principles (emphasized by KWMA).
Relationship with local ministers → Treat as equal partners, not mere "helpers"; strengthen intimacy.
Family and children issues → Worship, prayer, counseling.
5. Ways to Strengthen Teamwork
Build trust continuously through dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect. A restored vertical relationship with God naturally heals horizontal relationships. Reconfirm each person's calling. Return to the foundation — Romans 3:24-25: remembering the grace of forgiveness through Christ's blood makes it impossible to hold onto grievances against others.