“Teamwork makes the dream work.” You’ve heard it said and you’ve most likely said it yourself. It’s a popular and some might even say “cliché” saying. But the reason why it’s a popular saying is because it’s true. Anyone who has undertaken a project or led an organization can attest to the fact that teams are essential in reaching goals and getting the job done. Teams not only make light work but the reason why teams are essential is that they exponentially increase the impact of a leader’s vision. When putting together a team in ministry, it is vital that you assemble the right players with the right goals. This goes for recruiting a youth team or even starting a church social media ministry. Here are three things to keep in mind when assembling a team for your ministry:

Pick the right players.

Were you ever the last one picked for the kickball team at recess? In the moment, it doesn’t feel great. But as we get older, we get some perspective. When putting together a team, we want the best or what we perceive to be the best, even if it’s for a third-grade kickball team. When putting your ministry team together, you want the best of course, but you also want the best fit. You want someone that can work well with others and contribute as a whole. Look for someone who is known for working with others and has a track record of willing to show up when needed. Also, someone is a good fit when they’re involved with the requested role to some degree. For example, if you are looking for someone to manage your church’s social media account, you want to recruit someone who is already active and familiar with social media. Picking someone who works well with others and already has some experience in the role is a recipe for success.

Work together, play together

When building and cultivating a team, it’s important to provide opportunities for fellowship and collaboration. For example, if you lead a videography team at your church, schedule a monthly or quarterly Saturday where the team can go out on the town, shoot film, and catch lunch afterwards. When a team has a chance to work together or just hang out in a casual setting, it will make your effectiveness that much greater. The culture of a team is something that has to be created intentionally.

Pick the right goals

It’s vital that you give your ministry team the right goals and assign roles to the right people. For example, if you are a student pastor and leading your team, you want to be intentional about your goals. Team meetings should have a specific purpose of fulfilling your overall vision for reaching your students. Are you just planning for events or are you being strategic in how you’re meeting the spiritual needs of your students? It’s also equally important to assign the right roles. If someone in your group lacks in administrative skills, they may not be the best person to manage the calendar or build an Excel sheet. Having a keen eye for people’s capacity and ability to serve is a crucial skill for any leader to learn. As mentioned in tip #2, take the time to invest in, train and get to know your team. As a leader, it’s one of the greatest investments you can make.