Psalm 147:5
“Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.”
If any church is going to be influential and make a powerful impact on their community, they are going to have to do it as a team. A great church has never been built on one personality. Great churches have all been built by a group of people who banded together to do the LORD’s work in reaching the lost for Him. This will never be done if you are solely relying on the pastor; rather, it takes everyone’s involvement to make this happen.
However, part of building a powerful team to reach a community is reliant upon those in leadership and their ability to rally people to follow. The greatest example to show us how to do this is God. The verse above says, “Great is our Lord, and of great power…” The reason these words are mentioned by the Psalmist is found in the preceding verses. The preceding verses show the mentality those in leadership positions must have if they want to build a powerful team so they can reach their community. Let me share with you four actions needed to building a powerful team.
First, you must build people. Verse 2 says, “The LORD doth build up Jerusalem…” You cannot use people to build your work, but you must use your work to build people. People rally behind individuals who are not in it for themselves. They want to see that you love what they love. Every work in history that God has used greatly had a leader who was totally given to building the church, not for himself, but for the people and the glory of God. Be careful that you don't become a self-absorbed leader; instead, be a selfless leader who builds people.
Second, love the unwanted. Verse 2 continues by saying, “…he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.” The church ought to be a place where the “outcasts” can come and put their lives back together. You will build a following of people who will give their lives for you if you will put their lives back together after sin has destroyed them. King David built a great following with the “outcasts of Israel.” If you will seek the outcasts and help them to do something with their lives, you will find a loyal people who will help you build God’s work.
Third, help the hurting. Verse 3 says, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Nothing wins the hearts of individuals over like a person who helps people when they are hurting. Don't get so busy that you are not there when people are going through rough times in their lives. The leader who is present when a heart is broken is the leader who will build a powerful team. It won't always be convenient to be there when people are hurting, but you will be rewarded greatly because people tend never to forget your presence in their time of need.
Fourth, know people personally. Verse 4 says, “…he calleth them all by their names.” Don't let people just be a face, but know them personally. The greatest leaders are ones who spend time getting to know their followers. When you are talking to people, give them your full attention. Don't let anything sidetrack you from who you are talking to. Get to know the personal needs of each person so you will know how to help them. You will be rewarded immeasurably if you learn to take the time to learn about people as individuals.