TEAMWORK IS REQUIRED!

WELCOME To Pastor Dr. Carlotta's Counseling Center.

The operation of a Church is much like a team that plays a ball game. They are required to work together for the benefit of all to get the best advantage of each players abilities. That means that not all are playing at the same time, that not all are stars. Yet it is for the teams benefit that it is this way.

We could liken those in the Church to all areas of a team. Let us look for a while at components of a team, their area of responsibility, and how it all fits together.

1. "Coaches" high up!

This is God the Father and the Son. They can see all the field of play. They see things in the defense that is a weakness. They know which play to call, taking advantage of the enemy. The "Coach" in heaven lets the "Coach" on the sidelines know what defense the enemy is putting up, so He can let the quarterback know which play to run.

2. "Coach" on the field!

This is the Holy Spirit, who is right there where the action is. He calls the plays, but His most important is to communicate those plays to the quarterback. He strengthens the team confidence and never leaves the playing field until players confidence again. He will direct the team only as the Father "Coach" direct Him from above. Just as a coach will run his team a bit differently, according to what is needed, what talent is there, so the "Coach" on the field will run each church a bit differently.

OUARTERBACK!

This is the head communicator on the playing field. This is where the rubber meets the road. If the quarterback (Pastor/ministry leader), misses a play, or does not execute a play correctly, the team is thrown for a loss. The quarterback runs the offense. He is careful to find out exactly what play the "Coach" on the field wants, for this is the only sure way to gain yards and score the touchdown.

Pastor's/leaders (quarterbacks) also hand the ball off to other backs or pass the ball to the receivers, according to the play that has been called. Thus the quarterback does not have to carry the ball to gain yards, but he does have to keep directions as to which player and which play to use. Any coach who sees the quarterback not following the plays will reprimand the quarterback, even to a severe discipline, such as being taken out of the game. The most important player on the field is the quarterback, but he cannot win the game all by himself. His success depends fully upon those around him.

Quarterbacks are vulnerable, being aimed at by every defensive lineman, linebacker, and other defensive back. Quarterbacks can become bruised, hury, or even knocked out of the game, when an offensive lineman does not do his job, allowing the defensive lineman to knock down the quarterback. The lineman, though not in the limelight, is very important to the game.

Quarterbacks cannot do the job of a tackle, just as the tackle cannot do the job of a quarterback. Each is gifted uniquely, with size and weight and agility being given to each as to the need for the position. But all players, no matter what position played, must have the same vision, to move the ball down the field.

Every quarterback takes time to huddle, whether on the field during the playing time, or before the game starts. He calls the plays so that each lineman, wide receiver, and back knows what his assignment is for the play that is called.

4. Halfbacks, fullbacks, and ends

This is the group that helps the quarterback move the ball. They have to be adapted to the plays, creative with the right moves, and strong and quick to getting the job done. When one is having a good game, it is wise for the quarterback to give him the ball and let him do the job. The "Coach" certainly knows when this is going to happen, so He will always call the right play. It is up to the quarterback to hear the play and get it executed, so the proper ball carrier is carrying the ball.

As soon as they get the ball, it is their job to advance the ball. They have to protect the ball, for fumbles are by not doing the basics. As you may have figured out, this is the associates of the Pastor/Ministry leader. They do not call the play, but they do execute it. They have the freedom to run the ball creatively, but they do not call the play. They have the right to let the quarterback know if they are in the open, but it is the responsibility of the quarterback to hear from the "Coach" running a play using the open back.

If a play is called, the quarterback hands the ball off, and the half back runs the play the opposite direction of the way it was called, there will be a major loss to the team. The team is geared to go a certain direction, with all lineman blocking a certain way most advantageous to the halfback.

When a back scores, it is important for them to remember that if it was not for the blocking of the linemen, no score would have made. It is a team effort, requiring the coordination of all the players, AMEN!!

Linemen are the protection of the quarterback, and the backbone and strength of the offense. They listen to the plays called, and block in the correct pattern to allow the runners to accomplish their run easily. They do not get to run the ball, but they do rejoice when the team scores. They know that the team success depends upon their not allowing the quarterback to be sacked or to allow the halfback or fullback to be tackled in the backfield.

These players are the equivalents of the ministries ministry of helps. It is a winning attitude that they bring to the game that ministers to the "stars." The fanfare is not theirs, but the success of the team is very dependent upon them. They listen closely to the Pastor to hear the direction of the team, then move quickly to accomplish the "blocking" and "stunning" and "faking" in order to take the enemy by surprise and accomplish a big gain on the play.

No team wins without unity, motivation, determination, endurance, practice and ability. This is true in ministry, as well as football. All players of the winning team get Superbowl rings, not just the eleven who started the game. So it is with God and the "team" we are part of in ministry. All of us will get a reward, not just the Pastor or the Ministry leader! Praise God!!!

If you haven't accepted Christ as your Savior simply say in an audible voice, in all sincerity from the depths of your heart, "Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me of my sins and accept me as Your child. I accept You as my personal Savior and I promise to follow the instructions of Your Word from this day on. If I fail because I am human, please help pick me up so I can try again! Thank you, Jesus, for saving me from all my sins. AMEN."