Ministry is a journey that combines challenges with unparalleled rewards, deeply enriching those who embark on it. For more than 15 years, my life as a church planter has been marked by a profound sense of purpose and collaboration, allowing me to witness the transformative power of teamwork in ministry. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to be part of two phenomenal ministry teams, each contributing uniquely to this remarkable journey.
Our first undertaking was planting The Springs Church in Marana, Arizona. This endeavor began in the summer of 2010 with my wife, Ashley, and close friends Jeff and Heather Goodman. Together, we ventured into the unknown, driven by a shared vision and a strong sense of community. As our journey unfolded, we had the pleasure of welcoming a young man named Hiram Ramirez to our team. His arrival brought fresh perspectives and new energy, underscoring the importance of evolving and adapting to new dynamics within a team.
The second chapter in my ministry journey involves the establishment of Awaken Church in Tifton, Georgia. This ongoing work has been an exciting and enlightening endeavor. I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with Shane and Jamie Suggs, who joined us in the early stages. Their insights and commitment have been invaluable. Alongside them, we welcomed Matthew Grady Calhoun, an early team member whose wife Alyssa has recently become an integral part of our team. More recently, Caleb and Cadence Franks have joined us as Next Generation leaders, bringing a vision for the future and an enthusiasm that inspires both young and old. Through these experiences,
I’ve learned invaluable lessons from each team member, and the depth of camaraderie we’ve built has taught me the true essence of leadership in ministry.
Cultivating Team Chemistry
Strong team chemistry is not just a ministry asset; it’s the lifeblood that fuels effective collaboration. Healthy team dynamics don’t happen by accident or without effort. They require intentional cultivation through thoughtful engagement. Learning to “hang with your team” is about investing time and energy into fostering robust relationships, pivotal for sustaining a healthy, vibrant ministry team.
Hang With Your Team Socially
While it’s not necessary to become best friends with all team members, fostering meaningful relationships with those with whom God has called you to serve is paramount. Many ministry teams struggle because they fail to invest in these crucial social connections. In our teams, we’ve always prioritized finding common ground outside of work—whether fishing, enjoying sporting events, playing board games, or watching the latest movies.
These activities serve as platforms to deepen relationships and build trust. By creating opportunities to socialize, we forge friendships that transcend the boundaries of work, allowing us to operate more cohesively as a team devoted to our mission. Personally, these social gatherings have been rich ground for discipleship, offering both mentorship and the strengthening of community ties.
Hang With Your Team Professionally
Like many church leaders, I’ve discovered the church office can often be an environment filled with distractions, particularly when leading a team. Instead of begrudging interruptions, I’ve embraced the concept of an open-door policy — keeping my office an inviting space with ample seating for those spontaneous yet meaningful interactions.
My mindset shifted significantly after a conversation with a fellow pastor who emphasized the importance of viewing the office primarily as a space for team collaboration rather than just an individual workspace. This change was liberating, allowing me to focus on connecting with my team. Now, I cherish those moments of informal dialogue, where topics range from life and sports to church matters. These interactions aren’t time wasted but opportunities to build connections that organically strengthen the team’s fabric. Additionally, shared experiences such as attending conferences, regular lunches, or even routine errands like Sam’s Club runs further bolster our professional bonds.
Hang With Your Team’s Families
Understanding that family plays an essential role in our team members’ lives, we’ve embraced the inclusion of family in our team dynamics. Organizing activities such as playdates, double dates, and special events like our annual staff Christmas party contribute significantly to strong team chemistry. The Christmas party is particularly special as an occasion that elicits joy and anticipation months in advance. It features thoughtful gift exchanges, a delicious dinner, and extended fellowship, setting the perfect environment for strengthening familial bonds and reinforcing our shared mission of making disciples.
Ultimately, mastering the art of “hanging well” with your team lightens the burdens of ministry. It creates a camaraderie that breathes life into our collective ministry efforts. Enjoying each other’s company translates into a more seamless work experience, where collaboration is second nature. The genuine success of such team dynamics is evident when I receive a call from a team member, and it’s seamless to interchangeably discuss life or ministry — a testament to the true essence of community we’ve cultivated and cherish so deeply.
About the Columnist: Tifton Georgia native Josh Bennett is the lead planter at Awaken Free Will Baptist Church in his hometown. He and his wife Ashley have three children: Saywer, Finn, and Harper. To learn more about the Bennetts and their work, visit fwbnam.com/bennett.
