In Pursuit of Intentional Corporateness

It is often said that teamwork makes the dream work. And as cliche' as that may sound, it really doesn't take a rocket scientist to conclude that two heads are better than one.  We live in an increasingly social culture that strongly encourages collaboration in the areas of education, commerce, and even government.  With greater emphasis now being placed upon building high-performing teams as opposed to celebrating superstar MVP's, the Body of Christ has an amazing opportunity to lead the way in exemplifying how the culture of Heaven interprets teamwork.  More importantly, we can shift the cultural dynamic in the various environments in which we go in and out by appropriating Messiah's teachings in our everday dealings with those whom we collaborate.

As an observant believer, I more clearly see now why the Body of Christ MUST be in the world but not of the world.  The world around us is filled with messy situations that cannot be overlooked.  And if we--as high-performing teams--are going to shift the cultural climate in the territories to which we have been sent, then we simply cannot afford to be "religious" ostriches burying our heads in the sand.  No more can we avoid grappling with matters we deem to be ungodly.  That excuse has been overly used to deflect attention from any frank admission that the messy matters lying before us are REALLY above our theological pay grade, and we know not what to say of these things without risk of sounding irrelevant.  As citizens of the Kingdom of Light, we have been placed in the earth to be light bearers wherever we are sent.  Our very presence is meant to eradicate darkness--not in a judgmental, condescending way but in a loving, encouraging manner that evokes the same kind and quality of conviction with which Messiah communicated during His earthly ministry.

In studying what comprises a high-performing team, trust tops the list of characteristics.  Dare I say that a main reason why teamwork suffers so among believers is the lack of trust among teammates?  Might I further suggest that the lack of trust is the result of unforgiven offenses from which teammates have not been healed.  This cuts deeply because church culture often teaches us to simply sweep offenses under the rug for the sake of saving face. We keep it moving; and as WE go on, THE OFFENSE goes unaddressed.  This, of course, leaves relationships between the offenders and the offended strained.  And because both we are all on the same team, we are forced to work with each other, even though the degree of mutual trust has significantly dipped.

Herein lies the wake up call: we are now in a season corporate fruit bearing that REQUIRES us to be open to receiving healing from offenses.  Avoidance is unacceptable.  Given the highly intricate nature of this work of reconciliation to which we have been called, we must become more mature in our interpersonal dealings with each other.  We need quick recoveries from offenses committed against us.  Otherwise, we will be more focused on what was done to us than the successful fulfillment of our assignments.

When dealing with offenses committed by those with whom we are partnered and are collaboratively working to achieve corporate goals, we must forgive and forgive quickly.  Intentional corporateness requires that we forgive and let offenses go, so we can come out of emotional isolation and connect more with the people around us.  That is the only way we can build the degree of trust necessary to corporately operate as a high-performing team.  Therefore, we must strive to become intentional about relationship.  Because no matter how gifted you alone may be, there is only so much you can accomplish by yourself.