You won’t make it far in ministry if you continuously stay in your own lane. And while most of us don’t want to do ministry on our own it’s hard not to when our time is consumed with answering emails, curating curriculum, and adjusting spreadsheets. And when we actually have the opportunity to work with others we are not always sure how to do it effectively.
Real collaboration is more than meeting or working with others to accomplish a task. Real collaboration gets you out of your own lane and on the path God wants to take you because it:
Real collaboration involves effective listening and honest sharing. Whether the purpose of the group is to accomplish a specific task or professional development, a bond amongst members must form for the group to be effective.
No matter your role you can create this culture through leading by example. To foster humility and empathy make sure you recognize when you need to be the last to speak and the first to listen. Be sure to affirm other people’s ideas and experiences. The more that trust forms the more the group will be able to push one another to grow and accomplish their goals.
Real collaboration expands and strengthens our creativity because we allow other people’s ideas to challenge our perspecitves. And while everyone wants to contribut, not everyone is bold enough to share their ideas. As a participant it’s important to invite others to contribute and offer insight.
And while its attractive to have everyone contribute it is also scary. You might not like what they say or disagree with their approach. While it’s okay to dislike another person’s idea, make sure you don’t dismiss the idea immediately. Ask questions, gain clarity, and see if there is anything that can help your idea grow. The conversations can get a little messy; however, with a commitment to work through it, the group can achieve some incredible results.
One of the reasons we fall short of our goals is that we don’t have the discipline or ability to overcome distractions and obstacles. A collaborative group creates accountability because success does not rise and fall on one person. Instead, people share the responsibility and burden.
To cultivate accountability in a collaborative group it is critical members are given permission to ask questions, set deadlines, and address concerns. Accountability will create conflict, but if there is trust, empathy, and humility it’s okay. Healthy conflict leads to great ideas and following through on them.
And while the benefits of real collaboration are amazing, it’s important to remember that they do take work. And if you are not sure how to form a collaborative group with your coworkers, volunteers or peers consider joining an MYM Cohort.
When you join a Marathon Youth Ministry Cohort you connect with other like-minded leaders who will expand your creativity, share the burden and hold you accountable. At Marathon Youth Ministry we offer a variety of cohorts; however, one that we’re really excited about is the TENX10 MYM Cohort.
The TENX10 COHORT will begin in late March of 2022 and involve a variety of resources, masterclasses, and collaboration with other parishes focused on reaching the next generation. Enrollment is now open, but spots are limited, so don’t miss out on your chance to jump in. To learn more about the cohort click HERE and when you are ready to enroll click the button below.
Regardless of whether you join an MYM Cohort or not, making sure you are engaging in collaboration feels like an investment in yourself and in others. The more we pour into each other and help one another grow the more we act like the Church and reach people for Christ.
Enroll In The TenX10 Cohort