12 Characteristics of Good Team Members

In more than three decades of ministry, I’ve been privileged to serve with some of God’s finest people. Some have been lay leaders, and others have been clergy; all who come to mind have been servants of Christ. 

It is these characteristics that I would want in any leadership team. Meet my friends here, and think about the traits you want in your leadership team.

1. Humility.  Rich is a Bible study teacher who annually led his group to grow and then plant new groups. He is a great teacher who is himself teachable. He has no personal “turf” to protect, as he knows the work of the kingdom is not about him.
2. Word-saturated. Matt is quiet – an introvert who thinks deeply. Ask him about the Word, though, and he lights up. He has for years memorized the Word, and his life models what is in his heart. I still use Matt’s method for my own memorization.
3. Brokenness. He was a tough, rugged man prior to his conversion, but Glenn changed completely when the Lord grabbed his heart. Brokenness over his sin brought him to nothing . . . where he learned that God would use him in his weakness.
4. Prayerfulness. I anticipated a great meal with this couple. After all, Ruby was a country cook, and Jim a truck driver who surely enjoyed a strong breakfast. What they gave me, though, was a quick bowl of cereal – and an hour of prayer. For months, we followed this pattern each week.
5. Dependability.  John was just a quiet man who offered to do whatever our congregation needed. Indeed, few people knew how much he did behind the scenes. As his pastor, I knew I could depend on him to do anything we asked (and do it well).
6. Holiness. I wish you could meet David and Laura. They’re one of the godliest young couples I’ve ever met. They simply model obedience in word and deed. As their leader, I knew God would bless their efforts because they so trust Him.
7. Risk-taking. Sometimes God gives us someone who thinks outside the lines while staying within biblical parameters. Brian was such a team member for me. He stretched my thinking, but that’s exactly what I needed.
8. Integrity. Leaders often learn the hard way that not everyone can be trusted. But, God sends us team members who show us that godly integrity still exists. Randy did that for me. He speaks the truth, but he does so in love. I’ve never questioned the veracity of his words, nor have I doubted his heart.
9. Teachability. Sonney and Christie were loyal members of the first church I led. They freely admitted their need to learn more, to continue to grow in their knowledge and faithfulness. 
10. Knowledgeable. None of these traits precludes our responsibility to know and understand in our faith journey. I think of Tim, who is a brilliant theologian, an experienced practitioner, and an effective leader. He can defend his faith with the most capable critic, but he can also share the gospel with the smallest child.
11. Fun. Ministry is hard and serious, but we should experience the joy of God in our work. My former colleague, Jamie, and I laughed often – sometimes “just because,” it seems. I also think of Tina, a team member who carried out her heavy responsibilities with a unique sense of enjoyment and fun.
12. Reproducibility. The best team members I’ve worked with are those who raise up leaders to follow them. Shirley has always been an excellent teacher, but she has focused on training others who can then train more. She understands that her work continues only if she is willing to think beyond herself.

Look again at these traits: humility, Word-saturated, brokenness, prayerfulness, dependability, holiness, risk-taking, integrity, teachability, knowledgeable, fun, reproducibility. God graciously gives us people who model these traits. These brothers and sisters challenge us to be strong leaders – leaders who walk with God in gratitude and dependence even as we grow in our own leadership capacity.

Are there other traits you would want in your leadership team? Any traits you would remove from this list?