In the three months we have been married, one of the biggest realisations we have had is that we don’t think the same way. We have different ways of doing things, different ways of interacting with people, and different ways of looking at ministry. Although sometimes these differences can mean things get a bit messy, we realise that we were created to be different people, and these differences bring a fullness to our lives and ministry together.

One of us is spontaneous and makes instinctive decisions, whilst the other develops well thought out plans. One is happy with chaos and uncertainty, the other preferring things to be structured and in order. These differences have the potential to create tension (and sometimes they do!) but when we realise that “not everyone thinks like me,” our differences can produce better outcomes than if we were acting on our own.

It just so happens that we are also serving together as Youth Pastors in our local church. In our ministry, we each bring different things to the table.  Here, one of us is more autocratic in leadership style, the other considers the individual and is more democratic. One favours a teaching style of communication, whilst the other communicates truth better through stories. One thinks more strategically, the other more pastorally.

It is already obvious that there are many differences between the two of us. This is further multiplied when we include another twenty young adults (each with their own personality strengths) who we partner with in leading the high schoolers in our youth ministry.

Obviously this can at times be a challenge, but working together as a team results in a more effective and well-rounded ministry that looks very different to what it would be if it was run by one individual.

Paul writes that the body of Christ, the Church, is made up of many parts (people), each with their own gifts, kinds of service, and ways of working. Together, they form the body. Each part of the body has different strengths, serves different purposes and contributes in different ways, yet the outcome results in completeness. Similarly, working together with others who have different gifts and ways of thinking can produce more well-rounded outcomes and fruitful results.

Today’s young adults are familiar with teamwork. In our schools, clusters of tables have replaced rows. At university, more emphasis has been placed on group work than in the past. Technological change has made collaboration easier – blogs, group emails and online discussion have replaced the individual nature of letters and phone calls.

Has this transferred into our churches? How has teamwork impacted our ministries and our outreach? How can we engage with others who think differently from us and want to contribute through collaboration? Does the church accurately reflect the body that Paul writes about?

We certainly don’t have all the answers. But we are learning through our journey that teamwork, whilst presenting numerous challenges, does result in better outcomes than trying to do things on our own.

Tim and Lauren Lucas

Youth Pastors

Gateway Baptist Church

youth@gatewaybap.com