Ephesians 4:11-13

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God”s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (NIV)

In the last twenty-five years at least four major movements have impacted the face of the American Church.

1. The church growth movement.

2. The seeker sensitive movement.

3. The contemporary worship movement.

4. The small group movement.

Today, the developing model for the 21st Century is the team ministry movement.

WHY SHOULD WE PARTNER TOGETHER?

1. We Should Partner Together Because It”s Biblical.

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

Romans 12:4-5

A Biblical Basis for Partnering Together

Believers are called to minister. I Peter 2:5,9

Every believer is gifted by God in unique and specific ways. Romans 12:6-8

One of the most significant roles of the pastor is in equipping the laity for ministry.

Ephesians 4:11-13

The church should be a place for ministry “the church gathered,” as well as a base for ministry outside the church, “the church scattered.” Acts 2:42-47

Ministry is serving; it is love in action! Ephesians 4:12

2. We Should Partner Together Because of Shared Vision and Values. I Peter 2:5

Our Vision: FRIENDS

Focus on Relationships

Renew our Commitment

Invite to Participate

Equip to Minister

Network the Body

Demonstrate God”s Love

Serve with Gladness

3. We Should Partner Together Because We Will Minister More Effectively.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

An Effective Ministry Team…………

Effective Ministry teams are built on God”s Word. Romans 15:16

Effective Ministry teams always glorify God in service. Romans 15:17

Effective Ministry teams perform in the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:19

Effective Ministry teams plan according to God”s will. Romans 15:20-24

Effective Ministry teams are supported by God”s people. Romans 15:25-27

Effective Ministry teams pray for one another. Romans 15:31