Introduction: The "Great Commission" Jesus delivered to his disciples on the eve of his ascension still rings in the hearts of his people today. "I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth," he said. "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20 NLT). This is the heart and soul of our calling as Christian believers. It is the key to success in every aspect of every Christian's experience. It is the driving element of vibrant life for every church.
Networking for the Kingdom: The present era of our society can legitimately be labeled "The Age of the Network." More than at any other time in the history of humanity, our world is linked together by countless lines of communication and relationships. Both individually and corporately, we have ties to everything and everybody. John Donne's 17th century proclamation that "no man is an island, entire of itself" was a revolutionary concept in Renaissance England, but today his poetry seems almost prophetic. Connectivity is the real watchword for today.
A Structure of Mutual Support and Encouragement: In Teamnet Ministries, five main teams focus on five core arenas of church life: Worship, Fellowship, Ministry, Evangelism, and Discipleship. The teams are each supported in their work by the Spiritual Gifts Support Team (formerly known as the Human Resources Council (HRC)) and the Administrative Officers. Each team also has opportunity to encourage and support programs and activities conducted by any or all of the other teams. Team leaders/facilitators are encouraged to share upcoming events and other plans at each Church Board meeting, thereby providing opportunity for all the other teams to contribute to everyone else's success. Working together for a common purpose creates synergy and enthusiasm.
The Primacy of Worship: The bottom line of the Great Commission is to "make disciples." However, the purpose of discipleship, and subsequently fellowship, ministry, and evangelism, is to multiply the worship, praise, honor, and glory that we as created beings bring to our Creator God. Worship is what the church is about. The commodity we carry is hope, and through the gospel of hope souls without hope can be drawn to God and find their life in Him. We must continuously strive for inspiring worship services, which both edify and encourage every person present at every service to connect with the Living Source of life.
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