Where's the Team?

Beginning last Thursday night and extending into the weekend, we were introduced to another step of self promotion and exaltation. While we all want to be applauded and hear our name praised, I think we have hit an all time new level. And I am talking about the LeBron James Tour that started several weeks back with NBA teams "courting" him all the way to his grand announcement on ESPN and ending with a party in South Beach Miami, aided by the announcements of Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.

While I fully comprehend their athletic talents and abilities as basketball players, it just disgusts me to see a new realm of self promotion. At what point did LeBron really believe he was that special that an hour of ESPN TV was worth his announcement of leaving one city for another? And why was it when all three players were introduced in Miami, they were introduced twice as "this is your Miami Heat?" Hello..unless we have changed the rules, basketball still carries five players on the court at a time. They were also awarded three, yes three different keys to the city (one to the beach, one to the city, and one to the county...really?). During the introductions the TV analyst for the Miami Heat continuously referred to them as "The Three Kings." I mean come on..you have just declared them The Team, they can get anywhere they want with all the keys offered them, and now they can run a dictatorship with the tag line Three Kings.

I guess my thought through this process was the concept of TEAM that many coaches teach and stress. Where has it gone? Sure, I know Miami is still putting together other deals to create the best team possible, but the appearance of this is still present - They are the Team. A simple definition I teach and remember about TEAM is : Together Everyone Achieves More.

In hearing all the hype and changing the channels, I reflected back on our own ministry through Sports and Recreation, as well as our church. There is no question leadership is vital on teams, and each of these players will bring some leadership, but without the work of others it will be difficult to win over a long period of time. A team takes a variety of people with a variety of gifts that ultimately make others on the team better. The scripture (1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12:6) speaks about the spiritual gifts given to the believer to do the work of ministry. We are also instructed in working as one body (1 Corinthians 12:12) although there are many parts. In order for any team, ministry, or church to move forward with positive results; it's take each part or person participating.

With the gifts (spiritual and physical) given to you, how are you doing on a / the team? Do you see yourself as a leader, server, or giver? Or do you see yourself simply as the team?