(1 Cor. 12:22–26 NIV)
In studying a football team to help us understand the structure for ministry leaders and their staffs, the linemen are the backbone and workhorses of the offense. Their job is to protect the quarterback and clear the way for the backs and ends to gain yardage. The linemen must listen to each play called and for the snap count, even if they are tired or hurt. They must have a great tolerance for pain.
Linemen do not get a lot of fanfare; nevertheless, they experience great joy when their team scores. They are always the toughest and strongest on the team and must be determined that no defensive lineman is going to get through. Their attitude is that no one sacks their quarterback or catches their backs behind the line.
The linemen are the equivalent to the office staff and ministry of helps. They are the backbone of a church or ministry. They must stay built up, have a winning attitude, and be determined that no devil will get to their leader. They do not receive most of the fanfare, but every ministry leader and associate knows they can do nothing without these workers. Victory would not be possible without them.
The linemen must listen carefully to the leader to know the direction in which the team is going. Their greatest joy comes when souls are born into the Kingdom of God and people are set free, in part because they did their jobs.
Teams win through unity, motivation for winning, determination, endurance, practice, and ability. These are all true in the ministry as well. When one scores, all score. When one wins, the whole team wins. At the end of the Superbowl, all the players on the winning team receive special rings and a big bonus check. No matter their position, each player receives the same prizes. As we are faithful to our positions, we—like Superbowl champs—will receive from God the same reward because we did the job He called us to do and we won as a team.
- Whether you are a "lineman" or hold another position on your team, make it a special point to bless these indispensable members. Often overlooked, a pat on the back for a job well done may be just the word of encouragement that fellow workers need. Make their day.
- The following are verses for study and mediation:
"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing" (1 Peter 3:8,9 NIV).
"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel" (Phil. 1:27).
Father God, Your unconditional love is amazing. Only You would have such a creative way of making all of Your children feel significant—because they are! Help me to appreciate the place You've designated for me in the Body as well the placement of the other believers with whom I come into contact. Help us to support, encourage, and assist one another in a spirit of unity, so that together we can accomplish the vision You have given our leader. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers