I love this time of year. Around the campus of Lancaster Baptist, the trees are blossoming, the weather is warming, and another great year of ministry is well under way.
Of course, with springtime comes the March Madness college basketball games leading to the Final Four and to the National Championship. I’ve always enjoyed watching the NCAA final playoffs. Game after game, each team takes the court with one goal in mind–to win the game.
No one desire to be on a losing team. This is true not only is sports, but also in life! Here are a few thoughts on how we can be on a “winning team” in our Christian life.
Title: Characteristics of a Winning Team
Text: Philippians 1:27
I. Consider your Calling Romans 1:1
“Great leaders display courage based on passion, not position.”
A. A Spiritual Conviction
B. An Emotional Investment
II. Maintain a Proper Attitude
“Attitude determines altitude.”
“Discernment is not for criticism but for intercession.”
A. Faith
B. Forward Motion
“I’m looking for a lot of men with an infinite capacity for not knowing what can’t be done.” –Henry Ford
III. Understanding of Spiritual Gifts Romans 12:6
A. The Gift Mix Concept (synergy)
B. Contentment
“There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit.” –Ronald Reagan
C. Deflect Praise
IV. Character 2 Timothy 3:10
A. Integrity
“A victory won at the expense of our integrity is no victory at all.”
B. Work
“The way to the top is to get off your bottom.”
V. Compassion Matthew 9:36
“The ministry is people work not paper work.”
A. To Care for the Lost
B. To Forgive one Another
VI. Connectedness
A. Fellowship
B. Accountability
C. Acceptance (the optimal environment for change)
VII. Respect
A. Affirmation
B. Gratitude
“The foundation of gratitude is the expectation of nothing.”
C. Loving Correction
“Good leaders can step on your toes without messing up the shine.”
VIII. Loyalty Philippians 2:20-21
3 Kinds of Loyalty:
1. Disloyalty–presence of a negative
2. A-loyalty–absence of a positive
3. Loyalty–presence of a positive
IX. Commitment Philippians 3:14
A. To the Vision of Leadership
B. To Growing in Leadership
“Activity is not the mark of accomplishment.”
C. To Equipping Others
X. Endurance 2 Timothy 2:1-3
A. During Trials
“Failure is not final. Character is not made in a crisis – it is only revealed…”
B. Through the Years
XI. Discipleship 2 Timothy 2:2
A. Mentoring
“It is only as we develop others around us that we permanently succeed.”
B. Shepherding
C. Encouraging
