I am in the middle of a blogging series at the moment about teamwork that will change the world. I want you to see that both the categories of people I have spoken of and the two dimensions they are based on are reflected in some way in the bible. I showed in the last post that the four categories are reflected in the four gospels.

Now, I will show you how "ask", "tell", "task" and "people" are all dimensions that are familiar to the bible. The great commission sets us a task- to GO into all the world. Like Paul, there should be a missionary drive about the church. Whilst we should all play our part in this, there will be some who feel that push more as he did.

But as we see in Acts 20, Paul also was committed to people. The great commission tells us to make disciples which is a personal relationship focussed thing for us to do. We cannot make disciples without being people-focussed. We also, cannot baptise someone without getting to know them and actually asking them some questions to be sure that they are really saved.

We are told to "teach people to obey" which is very much what is meant by the idea of "tell" in the social styles model.

Thus we see "ask", "task", "tell" and "people" are all critical to our success as church. We are told to love God AND people. There are some Christians who find one or the other of these easier than others. We have to learn to do all these, but the beauty of the church is that the church as a whole should be able to cover one another's weaknesses so that as a TEAM we perfectly reflect each of these aspects.

Corporations should not be wiser than churches but many of them are recognising this need for teams to reflect each of these aspects- we as churches need to learn to value ALL of them, and not just the pastor-teacher who may well be a "task" focussed "teller". Churches need to be lead by teams of people who are strong between them in ALL of these areas.

This post follows on from one entitled recognising differences, and is part of a series entitled "Churches that change the world"

The social styles system takes two dimensions that describe how we relate to other people and uses it to define four types of people.

1. The Amiable is a person who is focussed on people rather than tasks and who has a tendancy to ask rather than tell. Often seen as quiet and unassuming. They are warm friendly listeners who highly value friendships,
Enjoy being in a team and having personal contact with others. Amiables tend to avoid conflict at almost any cost, this may seem desirable but it often means that they tend to sit on a growing pile of perceived slights. They are loyal, trustworthy, advise others, and make people feel comfortable. They are the glue that keeps a team together.

2. The Analytical is a person who is focussed on the task rather than people and who has a tendancy to ask rather than tell. They are deliberate, thorough, logical, and follow procedures , carefully weighing alternatives before committing. They are disciplined, quiet unassuming and show little emotion when dealing with others. They are detail focussed and practical and will competently get a job done right (eventually!)

3. The Driver is a person who is focussed on the task rather than the people and who has a tendancy to tell rather than ask. They are results orientated, taking the initiative and respond ing quickly and decisively. They will correct, modify or add to other people's suggestions. They like taking charge, and to direct others, making things happen. Often to the point, they have strong opinions and convictions. They are confident, competent, and like challenges.

4. The Expressive is a person focussed on the people rather than the task and have a tendancy to tell rather than ask. They are energetic, inspiring, and emotional. They are comfortable spending time in friendly conversation before moving to the task. They are easily excitable, and ready to share insights and dreams. They are visionary, creative, and take risks. They tend to either infuriate or energise and motivate others!

Next in my series on social styles: 4 Gospels 4 social styles?.....

Wittenberg Gate has two posts about dominating people in the church. The first describes individuals and the second what happens to a church when it is lead by an overly-dominant person. The bible never intended for the church to be lead by one dominant individual with no accountability. This is why team leadership is so vital.

In what may seem like a digression from my series on the church I now plan to spend some while speaking about teamwork.

A couple of previous posts may help to give useful background, firstly one on barriers to community, and secondly one on the one-anothers of the bible. These posts are part of a theme on the importance of teamwork to the church, which is itself the thing that will change the world.

Why is this so important? Because it is my belief that at its essense church is team. We stated that churches led by teams of very different people will change the world. Why is teamwork critical?

This question has been answered by a couple of cliches that just happen to be true �Together Everyone Achieves More� and �There�s no one of us smarter than all of us.� If changing the world is the goal, then it is too much for any one man to bear.

But there is more to it that pragmatics, God has always existed in a team
Our team life is not just for convenience but to reflect the trinity. All teams need structure and order just as the trinity does, God sends the Son and the two of them send the Spirit. Like in our teams, each member of the trinity has a different role but equal value.

A well functioning team is self-sufficient and reaches out not out of desperation but �overflow�. God wasnt lonely in eternity as he had the relationships between the three persons of the trinity to satisfy him. We should want new members in our churches to bless them not make up for deficiencies in the team life!

What does a high-performing team look like? They need all of the following things

-Shared vision or goal
-Results driven
-Sense of team identity
-Competent team members
-Mutual trust and respect
-Inter-dependence among team members

Interactions between team members are crucial to this process. Getting a team right is all about interactions. In the average team there are many many interactions- just look at the image which only illustrates a very small team. The potential for missunderstanding to creep into teams grows the larger the team!

Why differences are important. Our teams must not, however, consist of all the same sorts of people. A timeless principle of human relations is that people tend to like people like themselves. We can try and squeeze people into roles that don�t suit them, although it is important to remember that different people can fulfil the same role in different ways dependant on their personality.

Different people bring different strengths to the team, and different people struggle with different sins. Some types of people �clash� with other types or fail to bring out the best in them. Sometimes, it is helpful for us to spend some time, as we will be here thinking about exactly how these differences between people look.

There are different ways of �defining� people
-Introvert-extrovert
-Neutotic-psychotic
-Phlegmatic, choleric etc�.
-Personality tests
-Belbin Team roles

The tool I will use in this series of posts is "Social styles", which focusses on how we tend to relate to others. The issue addressed is interactions rather than temperament. BUT, it is important to remember two things, firstly people don�t tend to fit neatly into boxes and secondly we CAN adapt and change.

If you would like to explore which "Social Style" you are please take the questionaire, when you are complete you should return here.

This series on Social Styles in church continues at recognising differences

It is important to note that the churches in Acts were led by teams. This was such a crucial thing to Paul that there was an occassion when he refused to preach when a door was open to him because his team were not with him.

This point is so vital that I intend to dwell on it for several posts, in a sub-series "leadership teamwork that changes the world"

For today suffice it to say that the bible nothing of the modern concept of one man exclusively leading. Teams need a leader for sure, and Paul was the driver, making things happen. He was always focussed on the task before him and eager to move onto the next place. He was also the spokesman, we do not hear of Barnabus preaching.

Barnabus appeared to be focussed on people- and was an encourager- indeed he went to get Paul and draw him into minstry. Both Paul and Barnabus had something to offer. We need different sorts of people in our teams.

One way to think of the differences between people is to think of the answers to two simple questions-
1. Are they focussed on the task like Paul or the people like Barnabus?
2. Are they voccal like Paul or a behind the scenes person like Barnabus?

Of course people can be task focussed and behind the scenes or people focussed and voccal. How these different sorts of people interact and what they can bring to the party is vital for us to consider more fully.

This series continues at Teamwork will change the world

Previous posts on churches that change the world
Churches that change the world- Part 1
Churches that are multicultural change the world
Churches characterised by faithfulness to the Lord and steadfast determination change the world
Churches who's leaders are genuine, spirit filled and full of faith will change the world
This series is based on a sermon I preached entitled "What kind of churches change the world?" the audio of which is now availabl

For those who have read the post from earlier about the biblical "one-anothers", I hope it has inspired you to consider the need for community life and teamwork. I thought I would share a great quote about this with you

"Community is the commitment to care for each other and act together- it is not friendship" John Hosier 1991

John then went onto list some hinderances to community which I have adapted slightly:

* 1.Some don't want it
* 2. Some say they want it but really they don't- they are not willing to pay the price.
* 3. Some genuinely want it but feel no-one else does, and become depressed.
* 4. Some find it difficult and give up. There is much scope for irritation. The foot tappers and throat cleares of this world will exasperate you.
* 5. Some find life too busy. They are only surviving and shudder at 'more meetings'
* 6. Leaders who fail to model it and add too many meetings rather than meeting.
* 7. Some think one day it will happen magically.

The truth is that creating community is HARD WORK! It takes a real effort, and we need to think creatively about practical ways we can do it. In this spirit I offer you some suggestions for modern "one anothers"

* Phone one another to simply chat -not ask them to do something
* Write cards to one another expressing your appreciation.
* Drop in unanounced on one another. Leave one another without creating embarassment if the time is inapropriate.
* Babysit for one another.
* Cook dinner for one another.
* Arrange surprise holidays for one another.
* Slip envelopes full of money under one another's doors.
* Leave bags of food for one another.
* Remember one anothers name and small details about each other.
* Do one another's housework.
* Insist on washing up for one another.
* Offer lifts to one another even if it means going out of your way.
* Share one another's possessions.
* Take one another to the airport, even if the flight leaves at 5am.
* Lend your cars to one another.
* House sit for one another.
* Clean one anothers cars.
* E-mail one another.
* Meet one another for lunch.
* Try a new activity with one another simply beause the other one likes it.
* Make friends with one another's friends.
* Go out for dinner with one another.
* Go shopping with one another.
* Have a baking party with one another.
* Do your ironing with one another.
* Take the kids to the park with one another.
* Throw surprise parties for one another.
* Listen to one anothers favorite music.

Church is all about community, and teamwork. I intend to blog a lot more about team in the next little while (UPDATE: I have now done so at It is teamwork that will change the world) . To whet your attitude and to underline to any unchurched christian out there that solitary christianity is deeply unsatisfying, here are a list of many of the "one anothers" of the bible- we cannot do these unless we are in a real community that allows us to interact with each other. Please read these slowly, meditate on them and seek God to help you to live them out with others.

The One Another's of the Bible
# Le 19:11 "`Do not steal. "`Do not lie. "`Do not deceive one another.
# Jud 20:22 But the men of Israel encouraged one another and again took up their positions where they had stationed themselves the first day.
# Es 9:22 as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote to them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.
# Job 41:17 They are joined fast to one another; they cling together and cannot be parted.
# Isa 6:3 And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
# Zec 7:9 "This is what the LORD Almighty says: `Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.
# Joh 13:14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.
# Joh 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Joh 13:35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
# Ac 2:12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"
# Ro 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.
# Ro 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. {Or willing to do menial work} Do not be conceited.
# Ro 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow-man has fulfilled the law.
# Ro 14:13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling-block or obstacle in your brother's way.
# Ro 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
# Ro 15:14 I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.
# Ro 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.
1Co 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
# 1Co 16:20 All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
# 2Co 13:12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.
# Ga 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; {Or the flesh; also in verses 16, 17, 19 and 24} rather, serve one another in love.
# Eph 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
# Eph 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
# Eph 5:19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
# Eph 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Col 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
# Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
# 1Th 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
# Tit 3:3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
Heb 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
# Heb 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.
# Heb 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
# Jas 4:11 Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.
# 1Pe 1:22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. {Some early manuscripts from a pure heart}
# 1Pe 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
1Pe 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
# 1Pe 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." {Prov. 3:34}
# 1Pe 5:14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
# 1Jo 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all {Or every} sin.
# 1Jo 3:11 This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.
# 1 Jo 3:23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.
1Jo 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
# 1Jo 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
# 1Jo 4:12 No-one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
# 2Jo 1:5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another.