There are no problems we cannot solve together and very few that we can solve by ourselves. The truth is that teamwork is at the heart of great ministry. The question isn’t whether teams have value. The question is whether we acknowledge that value and become better team builders.

The encouraging news is that developing others doesn’t need to be complicated. It does, however, need to be intentional.

James Clear says we don’t rise to the level of our goals; we fall to the level of our habits. Follow these six purposeful habits to guide, challenge, and encourage your team.

Habit #1 – Pray Regularly

Paul prayed for those he was developing. He recognized that deep change is grounded in God’s work and fostered by sincere prayer. Paul’s clearest words on prayer are, “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.” (1 Thessalonians 1:2). Notice the words “always,” “all of you,” and “continually.”

Sometimes, we can be so focused on working through a program or moving a plan forward that we neglect to pray for the people around us. Do the words “always,” “all,” or “continually” reflect the practice of your prayers for those you are developing?

Habit #2 – Love People

Paul loved these people. He cared for them. He shared the gospel with them. He shared his life with them. As Paul writes, “Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8).

It might seem basic, but sometimes we can miss this one. It’s all too easy to get so focused on the ministry or be so task-driven that we neglect to deeply love the people God has put right in front of us. Are you loving like a mother and spending significant time with those you are developing?

Habit #3 – Be An Example

Paul challenged the people he was developing to follow his example. He knew that people would evaluate his words by his actions. He also knew that more is often caught than taught. Recognizing that his own life example had a profound impact, Paul writes, “You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.” (1 Thessalonians 2:10).

This is a tough one. What are others picking up through your example? Does your life and actions stir others to grow? What is most important about your example that you want others to catch?

Habit #4 – Provide Perspective

Perspective is a key ingredient to growth. Without perspective, we can become trapped in the past, discouraged by the present and overwhelmed by the future. In 1 Thessalonians 2:4-10 Paul addressed the past, present and future for the Thessalonians by reminding them of God’s character, God’s work, and God’s promises.

A good developer helps others see God in the midst of their circumstances and challenges. How are you directing leaders on your team who need perspective?

Habit #5 – Encourage Generously

Paul knew that encouragement was a key ingredient for growth. Almost everyone is working from an encouragement deficit. That’s why Paul encouraged generously. He writes, “For you know how we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonian 2:11-12).

It’s easy to overestimate how much encouragement we express and underestimate the amount of encouragement people need. Do those you are developing see you as their greatest encourager?

These first five practices provide the foundation for number six.

Habit #6 – Teaching As Leading

From a foundation built on love, prayer, example, perspective and encouragement, the rest of Paul’s letter is filled with teaching on practical issues and answering specific questions in the hearts and minds of the Thessalonians. Are you teaching from this kind of foundation?

As you look back over this list, you will notice that you don’t need a Ph.D. to do these things. 

Developing others isn’t complicated.

Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind one team member who needs you to reach out to them today.

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