Lay-persons are expected to carry out activities which have already been determined by a professional specialist. These professionally designed and centrally initiated programs often are preferred because they are easier to install and control than team ministries created and implemented by active and talented laypersons. But the results are usually less effective because members have not been sufficiently involved in developing their own unique strategies. Characteristics of the Team Model Team-oriented churches are experiencing positive outcomes from their shift to a new team model. Ministry activities are carried out for the most part by the same team members who experienced the original inspiration for the strategy.
Collective wisdom is at work.
One person comes up with an original idea. The next person builds upon it. One plus one then equals more than two. Rather than being initiators and designers, staff serve more as coaches, know how to form strong teams, draw out the vision and talents of lay staff, and facilitate the process of strategy design. Team members are connected to a compelling, owned vision which guides them in both familiar and unfamiliar situations.