1. This vision is demonstrated first of all by the very nature of the Trinity (Gen. 1:26).  A reflection on the     nature of the Trinity can suggest important principles about teams.

2. A vision from the heart of God is presented through the creation of man and woman (Gen1:27, 28; 2:18;     2:24).  A reflection about the creation of humanity – male and female – can illustrate various valuable     principles about teams. 

3. The Old Testament, to be honest, does not provide much evidence that it values work in teams.  Israelite     history is built around famous individuals, spiritual giants, and contains few examples of     teamwork.  Nonetheless, can you think of some Old Testament examples of work in teams?

4. Some examples of teams include:

A. Moses and Aaron (Ex. 4:10-16)

B. Moses, Aaron and Miriam * (Ex. 15:20; Num. 12:1-16)

C. David’s valiant men (1 Chr. 11:10)

D. Daniel’s friends (Dan. 1:7)

E. The Old Testament points out the advantages of working in teams.  After reading Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 below, write down the benefits listed in this passage.

     “9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.  But how can one keep warm alone?  12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” 

5. A Case Study: Moses as a Solitary Leader

A. Jethro’s advice for Moses (Ex. 18:13-24).  As you read the passage below, underline the phrases that indicate the value of working as a team, as well as key principles in how to do so (sometimes these things are shown through the lack of teamwork).  Write down the principles in the margins of your paper or at the end of the passage.

     “13 The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. 
     14 When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this you are doing for the people?  Why do you alone sit and judge while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?” 
     15, 16 Moses answered him, “Because the people come to me to seek God’s will.  Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and laws.” 
     17, 18 Moses father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good.  You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out.  The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.  19, 20 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you.  You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him.  Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform.  21-23 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.  Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves.  That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you.  If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” (Ex. 18:13-23 – NIV)

B. Moses and the 70 elders:  Jethro’s advice was a huge help, but the following passage shows that Moses still struggled with loneliness.  He did not feel like part of a team.  Once again, underline phrases that communicate key principles and write those principles in the margins or below the passage. 

    “11 [Moses] asked the Lord: “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant?  What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people one me?  12 Did I conceive all these people?  Did I give them birth?  Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers? 
     . . . 14 I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me.   15 If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now—if I have favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin!
     16 The Lord said to Moses, “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people.  Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. 17 I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them.  They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.” (Numb. 11:11, 12, 14-17 – NIV).

B. The Vision of Teams in the New Testament

1. Jesus’ vision

A. Working as a team with the Father and Holy Spirit (Jn. 5:19; 8:47; 14:25, 26; 16:7-15)

B. Jesus’ teams

• The Twelve (Mk 3:14; Lk 6:12-13)
  
  
• The Three (Mt 17:1-13)

C. Sending missionary teams in groups of two

• The Twelve (Mt 10)
  
  
• The Seventy (Lk 10)

2. The Early Church’s Vision

A. The Twelve (Acts 1:13; 2:14, 43; 5:12, 29; 6:2)

B. The Seven (Acts 6:1-7)

C. Peter allowing himself to be held accountable in his experience of preaching the gospel to the     Gentiles, (Acts 11:2-4, 11-12, 18), instead of simply acting independently.

D. Barnabas and Paul (Acts 9:26, 27; 11:25-26; 13:1, 2, 7)

E. The Five (Acts 13:1)

F. Paul had teams with Barnabas (Acts 13:13-15:36), Silas (Acts 15:.40 on), Timothy (Acts     16:1-3 on), Luke (Acts 16:11-40 among others), Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18), Titus (2 Cor.     2:12, 13; 7:5-7) and Erasmus (Acts 19:22).  At least seven other people are mentioned by     name (Acts 20:4) as ministry partners, and many others are listed at the end of his letters.

3. New Testament Teachings

A. The life of the Body, especially in light of spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12-14; Rom. 12:3-8;     Eph.4:11-16)

    “12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are     many, they form one body.  So it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by one     Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the     one Spirit to drink.   14 Now the body is not made up of one part, but of many.” (1 Cor.     12:12-14 - NIV).

B. The five types of ministers mentioned in Eph 4:11-16: apostles, prophets, evangelists,     pastors, and teachers.  Since these five have the same mission (vv. 12-16), it makes sense for     them to work together.

    “From [Jesus] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament,     grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Eph. 4:16 - NIV).

C. The model of the collegiate in the leadership of the church

    Acts 13:1 – The Five

    At 14:23 - “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with     prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in which they had put their trust”     (NIV).

    Acts 20:17-37 – The presbyters and elders of Ephesus.  Among other things, Paul tells     them the following:

    “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you     overseers.  Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”     (Acts 20:28 - NIV).

    “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left     unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” 

1. Gen. 1:26 – The Trinity as a team
2. Ex. 18 and Num. 11 – Moses’ team
3. Eph 4:11-16 – the church as a team and led by a team
4. Acts 13:1 – the leadership of the church as a pastoral team