All Hands on Deck

The Importance of Team Work

Introduction:

Over the last months we had studied and preached through the Book of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the walls and gates around Jerusalem. The success of Nehemiah’s task was simple - he engaged a group of people that became committed to the cause. Nehemiah was not successful once he reached the destination of his vision. His success became apparent when he engaged in the process of rebuilding. He built upon people’s strengths while minimizing their weaknesses; in other words he focused on the gifts and talents, dreams and passions of the people.

After our Foursquare National Convention - “Jesus our Soon Coming King” - we have spoken of the importance of the Second Coming of Jesus and evangelism. God’s dream is that of redeeming mankind from our current sinfulness and worldwide destruction. It is the enemy who comes to steal kill and destroy (John 10:10). It is God’s desire to seek and save the lost and to bring them into personal and abundant relationship with Jesus. In light of this last week Pastor Becky and I handed out a survey that helps us to better understand our corporate strengths and passions especially as we consider reaching out to those who do not yet know Jesus. If you did not receive a copy last week we have more for you today.

All Hands on Deck

A few weeks ago I was praying for Courts of Praise and I believe I heard the Lord speak to me this phrase, “All Hands on Deck”. This stuck in my spirit and over the next few weeks I prayed and meditated on this thought. As I researched this, I came to find out England was the world’s premiere sea-going power for almost 200 years. Most often this saying - “All Hands on Deck” was an order for everyone on the ship to assemble on deck immediately, and usually in an emergency. Other times it was a call for a Sunday church service, or to convey news to the crew. Many times on the open sea one’s voice could not be heard over the sounds of the sea so the boatswain’s whistle was used. Because of its high pitch, it could be heard over the activities of the crew and bad weather.

I believe that at this time God is saying “All Hands on Deck”. I hear him blowing the whistle, so to speak, summoning us all to duty. The Lord would remind us that His Dream is to see souls brought into God’s Kingdom. Jesus is coming, he’s coming again is a wonderful song we sing, but the truth behind the song must motivate us to action. Jesus’ call to evangelism must stir us deeply in our hearts. There is a battle raging all around us. God is seeking those who would become his children and the enemy is blinding the eyes of the unbelievers (2 Cor 4:4 - The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God). We are in a battle to see the Light of Christ manifest in new converts for the Glory of Christ. The enemy seeks to blind our eyes through idols – anything that replaces God, takes His place, through various forms of entertainment, addictions, materialism and even religion. I believe God is saying to us “its time to get back in the battle, “All Hands on Deck”… There is something eternally profound about our relationship with God; He saves, He forgives, He makes people brand new - transforms and sanctifies, He heals, He directs. God is committed to fully saving His children for His Glory. The ministry of evangelism is something we are all to engage in, it is a group effort.

The Importance of Team Work

I enjoyed over 9 years of ministry training and experience while in Youth With A Mission. The Mission Statement was very clear, “To know God and to make Him known”. This global vision required “all hands on deck.” So one of the main messages we heard over and over was the importance of team work. There were four main points that I would teach on with regards to enjoying a team together.

People on the team must be teachable.

There is great joy in learning together.
There is blessing in the spiritual disciplines.
Being teachable in more than intellect, but also involves being emotionally secure.
However, “know-it-all’s” make team work a challenge.

People on the team must be cooperative.

The joy of unity cannot be overstated. The opposite can be said of disunity.
There is growing enthusiasm when people cooperate.
It has been said that there is no “I” in “TEAM” (i.e. selfishness), however there is always a leader who leads or a coach who coaches…
Submission is key to a cooperative team spirit.

People on the team must be flexible.

In “Fulfilling God’s Dreams” one must be very adaptable. We used to give out “Gumby” T-Shirts to help remind us to be flexible to the Spirit’s leading.
If you won’t change for the team the team may change you. (John Maxwell)
There is great need for creativity when you are a part of a team. It doesn’t matter what kind of team you are on, if the routine becomes the norm you're in trouble.
There is awesome rewards on a team where people embrace flexibility while being dependable.

People on the team must have high moral standards.

The importance of godly character is essential for a healthy team.
High moral standards are especially true in the context of relational values of respect, trust and mutual enjoyment.
Love is foundational; 1 Cor 13:4-8a

In Conclusion

It is our desire to “become a grace-full, loving, accepting and forgiving community of believers from all nations that celebrate each other and who are committed to bringing souls into God’s kingdom.” How do we do this? “All Hands on Deck” - let’s be committed to the plans and purposes of God. One of the ways we are growing in our community is by joining together in the call to evangelism. To serve us all better we completed the Courts of Praise Outreach Assessment Part 1 last week. Today we will fill out Part 2 of the assessment.

Courts of Praise Outreach Assessment

Part 2

Name ___________________________________________________________

Phone(s)_________________________________________________________

Email____________________________________________________________

Circle the way you prefer being contacted:

Text Messenger Phone Call Email Other:

1. What are other areas that you would enjoy serving in?

Advertising Fundraising Build Up/Tear Down Events or Stage

Sound Power Point Ushering Driver Door To Door Evangelism

Door To Door Surveys Handing Out Flyers Intercession

Prayer Ministry (praying for individuals by the laying on of hands)

Prayer Walking

Other (please specify)

I just want to serve

2. What do you feel your primary spiritual and/or motivational gifts are?

Please circle all that apply or that you are interested in learning about?

Apostle (missionary) Prophet Evangelist Pastor Teacher

Helps Leadership Administrator Acts ofService Mercy

Healing Signs & Wonders Giver Words of Wisdom/Knowledge

Discernment Interpreter of Languages Other (please specify)

3. On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being your least favourite and 10 being your most

favourite), please put a number by the groups of people you mostdesire to work with.

Seniors

Adults

Teens

Kids

Families

Adults with Special Needs

Children with Special Needs (please specify)

University Students

Prisoners

Sick People(i.e. hospital visitation or nursing homes)

Refugees

Immigrants

First Nations

Other Ethnic Groups (please specify)

Families

Homeless/Street People

People With Addictions

I just like people and want to work with any and all!

I don’t know

Other

4. If kids were in your top 5 of favourite people to work with, circle the age groups that you most enjoy:

Babies 1-3 yr 3-5 yr 5-8 yr 9-12 yr 13-15 yrs

16-18 yrs I like them all

4. Please circle the statement/s that best describe you:

Iprefer to work in a large team I prefer to work with asmall groups

I prefer to work one on one I work best alone

I don’t have a big preference