How can we apply the teamwork seen in 2 Kings 6:4 to church projects? Setting the Scene “So Elisha went with them, and when they came to the Jordan, they began to cut down trees.” A group of prophetic students had outgrown their meeting place. Rather than wait for outside help, they invited Elisha to join them in building a larger lodge. The prophet agreed, and the whole company labored side by side. The Holy Spirit records this simple sentence to showcase how God’s people can cooperate in practical ministry. Snapshot of Teamwork in the Passage • Shared vision: everyone saw the need for a bigger house (vv. 1–2). • Collective planning: “Let us go… each of us will get a log” (v. 2). • Secure leadership support: “Please come with your servants” (v. 3). • Active participation: “they began to cut down trees” (v. 4). • Mutual problem-solving: when the ax head sank, others rallied (vv. 5–7). Principles for Church Projects Today • Recognize growth needs early. Waiting until space or resources are exhausted can hamper ministry impact (Proverbs 27:12). • Craft a plan the whole body owns. When everyone helps shape the goal, everyone feels responsible for the outcome (Philippians 2:2). • Invite spiritual oversight. Involving pastors or elders from the outset provides accountability and wisdom (Hebrews 13:17). • Serve shoulder to shoulder. The passage never separates planners from doers; planners are doers. Likewise, ministry leaders should model hands-on service (Nehemiah 4:6). • Stay flexible when setbacks arise. Problems—like a lost ax head—become opportunities for God to demonstrate His power (Romans 8:28). Practical Steps for Ministry Teams 1. Clarify the objective. Write one concise sentence everyone can repeat. 2. Pray together for unity, resources, and safety before any work begins. 3. Divide tasks by gifts and availability (1 Peter 4:10). 4. Pair newer believers with seasoned saints for mentoring as you work. 5. Schedule visible milestones to celebrate progress and maintain momentum. 6. Set aside contingency time and funds for unexpected hitches. 7. Share testimonies of God’s provision at each phase to build faith. Benefits of Shared Labor • Deeper fellowship grows when believers sweat side by side (Acts 2:44). • Personal gifts surface that might stay hidden in a classroom setting (Romans 12:6–8). • Witness to outsiders: united service showcases Christ’s body functioning as one (John 13:35). • Spiritual resilience: solving practical problems together strengthens trust in God for future challenges. Encouraging Scriptures on Cooperative Work • Ecclesiastes 4:9 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” • 1 Corinthians 3:9 – “For we are God’s fellow workers.” • Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” • Ephesians 4:16 – “The whole body, fitted and knit together… causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” Closing Thought From the riverside of the Jordan to modern church hallways, the pattern endures: God’s people advancing God’s work, arm in arm, under godly guidance, for His glory. |
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