We want to minister as a team, working cooperatively to accomplish goals which otherwise would be impossible. As a mission, we do have an established leadership structure and most decisions are made within this governance framework. Team-orientation means that we have an attitude of deferring to one another in love, that we naturally seek the inputs and comments of others about our ministries, and that we love and value each other (both missionaries and our Zambian colleagues). The foundation of team unity is a humble, Christ-like attitude and the conviction that all of us have much to learn about life and ministry in Zambia.
The New Testament is filled with exhortations to appreciate the gifts and abilities of one another. The church is described as “the body of Christ” and we, as members of this body, are “members one of another”. We have differing gifts, experiences, and skills and “the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”. Accordingly, we believe God has supplied each of our team members with different, but interdependent, gifts and skills and that we are healthiest when we use this diversity.
Finally, we are painfully aware that most missionaries leave the field because of difficulties with other missionaries. Strife among the body of Christ brings dishonor to the name of Christ and hinders the work of the Gospel. Accordingly, we are committed to working on our relationships with each other.