(1 Cor. 12:14,21 NIV)
Halfbacks, fullbacks, and ends are the next positions in our teamwork analogy. They, along with the quarterback, must advance the ball—the ball representing the ministry leader's vision. The backs and the ends must be strong, quick, and creative in making the right moves. They must not be concerned about which back is making the most yards. If one is having a good game, then he should be the one the quarterback gives the ball to. The goal is to win the game, not to be concerned with who is scoring. These players, like the quarterback, will receive the majority of the recognition due to their special gifts and talents.
The first thing they must do is take the ball from the quarterback. At that point, it is up to them to think quickly and creatively in order to move the ball down the field. They depend on the linemen to clear the way for them, making it possible to score. Each team member must be mindful of the basics. To forget or ignore them can result in a fumble.
These halfbacks, fullbacks, and ends represent the associate ministers. They are gifted by God to run with the vision and effectively communicate it to the people. They have the freedom to think creatively, but must remember to listen to the play that the leader calls. Then they can take the handoff.
No halfback or fullback will call the play; it is always the quarterback. The different backs have the right to give input to the quarterback or tell him that they are open and can break through the line, but it is still up to the quarterback to call the play.
If the associates take the handoff from the leader, then run in a direction opposite of the play, there will be major problems. They must go in the direction of the team. Just as a quarterback will be set down by the head coach if he does not listen to the play, so will the associates be set down by their leader and the Holy Spirit if they try to do their own thing.
The football itself represents the vision of the leader. Creativity comes once a player is running with it. The players must realize that when they score, it is a team effort and not theirs alone. Many a football player has become lifted up in pride, thinking he alone was the reason his team won, but he must remember that the linemen cleared the way, so he could score. If these linemen are unable to do their job, gifted athletes may be stopped on the scrimmage line.
In our analogy, the linemen represent the office staff and ministry of helps. Associate ministers depend on these people to clear obstacles out of the way, so their gifts can come forth. The associates must never lose sight of this fact. Every position on the staff is necessary to the ministry's success.
- What is your position on the team? Who fills each of the other positions?
- Make it a point today to let the other team members know that you appreciate all they do to make the team function smoothly.
- If any of your other teammates seems not to fit their position, pray for God to move them into the proper place. God's best is for each person to find the position he was created to fill.
Father, thank You for making me part of this team. I pray that each of us would fill the position that is best suited for us, and I trust You to make any necessary adjustments. Thank You for the Holy Spirit who communicates each move to our leader, who in turn communicates it to us. Help each of us carry out the duties of our positions well, so we can move the vision forward to its intended goal. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers