Teams are Better
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
Sometimes decisions are best made by individuals, like I want to plant a garden.
Most decisions are better when there is a team to provide guidance, expertise, insight and support, like asking opinions from others about planting a garden.
As with decisions, tasks often have a better outcome if there are others to offer suggestions, wisdom, aid, comfort and council.
My garden experience taught me that it would have been better to seek the collective advise of those who are the experts in gardening before embarking on an endeavor doomed from the start to fail.
Sometimes decisions are best made by individuals, like I want to plant a garden.
Most decisions are better when there is a team to provide guidance, expertise, insight and support, like asking opinions from others about planting a garden.
As with decisions, tasks often have a better outcome if there are others to offer suggestions, wisdom, aid, comfort and council.
My garden experience taught me that it would have been better to seek the collective advise of those who are the experts in gardening before embarking on an endeavor doomed from the start to fail.
Education Applications
It is important to identify, build and develop a team of people who can support the educator in the daily task of training children.
I found that my best teams included:
These team members were invaluable to my growth as an administrator, educator and evangelist.
It is important to identify, build and develop a team of people who can support the educator in the daily task of training children.
I found that my best teams included:
- Spouse:
- My spouse was the first person I could ask about ideas, insights, instructional techniques, or anything I would want to undertake in my classroom. She was able to provide honest feedback in a kind, gentle, easy-to take fashion. Many an idea that I thought supreme was a non-starter after speaking it aloud to my spouse. When her reaction was laughter, I really knew that my great idea was really foolishness. She short-circuited many potentially embarrassing undertakings.
- Pastor:
- He is bound to confidentiality when hearing a confession. I would frequently confess to my pastor, confident that what I said would go no further. This was particularly helpful when seeking advice or insight on how to approach a delicate situation. He was able to provide more than just absolution; he was able to provide inspiration. He would talk me through certain of my personal behaviors, deeds, or words and help me refrain from that which was hurtful and develop that which was helpful.
- Mentor:
- My first day in the school office was a nightmare. I had no clue about what it would take to be an administrator, teacher and leader. As I sat looking at the stacks of books and paper arranged on my desk the office phone rang. The person on the other end of the phone challenged me about enrollment procedures for his children, wanting to know if his children would be welcomed in my school. As he continued to describe his children I was dumbstruck at the number of children and the multiple challenges I would face with them in the classroom. I stammered out some reply and he broke into gales of laughter. He was the older, experienced principal from the neighboring school. He was calling to see if he could come over and provide some guidance. From that day forward until his death, we were Christian brothers, friends and he was my mentor. Every position I have held I have sought out that one person who could be my mentor, my guide, my adviser.
- Teachers:
- My fellow teachers surround me with a vast pool of knowledge, guidance and experience. Not only can they provide insight into the student’s development, skill level and future needs, they offer me support like a family member. They pray for me, accept me, support me, discipline me and walk with me in the journey of the school year.
- Congregation Members:
- I have been blessed to meet and form life-long friendships with members of congregations I have served. They were able to provide valuable information about the unique habits and rituals of the congregation, thus preventing me from disastrous decisions. They also offered social opportunities to discover the riches of the local area as they invited us to meals, day trips and gave recommendations about local businesses. These friends gave me and my family love and support as they walked with us through difficult times, both professionally and personally.
- District Staff:
- Those that work in the local LCMS District office are first and foremost support for the workers in their district. I have leaned heavily on district staff members for comfort, answers, suggestions, opinions, guidance and prayer. Every district I have worked with is eager to partner with the workers so that each worker will succeed in the Kingdom.
- Non-Lutherans:
- I often would seek out opinions from those not connected to the school, congregation or even the Lutheran faith. This normally occurred when I would get my hair cut, for I would patronize establishments outside of the Lutheran tribe. Discussion over a haircut allowed me an opportunity to get unbiased feedback about issues, programs, and life; as well as offered me an opportunity to make a Gospel witness.
These team members were invaluable to my growth as an administrator, educator and evangelist.
Faith Application
Often it seems as if I am alone when I want to share a Gospel message. I must remember that there is a whole team behind me:
God is with me:
I will be given words to say:
Others are with me:
Knowing that God is with me, providing opportunities and words allows me to be bold in my faith sharing.
I also am encouraged knowing that others also share a faith message, especially to my students.
Often it seems as if I am alone when I want to share a Gospel message. I must remember that there is a whole team behind me:
God is with me:
- For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
- Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
- God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
- Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
- Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
- And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)
I will be given words to say:
- For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say. (Luke 12:12)
- When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. (Matthew 10:19-20)
Others are with me:
- I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)
- Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. (Hebrews 12:1)
Knowing that God is with me, providing opportunities and words allows me to be bold in my faith sharing.
I also am encouraged knowing that others also share a faith message, especially to my students.