Chemistry.

The title of this blog either makes you smile or shudder. I lean toward the smile part. Chemistry 101 was one class I enjoyed during undergrad work. The relationship that exists in the world of electrons, protons, and neutrons is fascinating. Having stepped outside my scope of knowledge, I think I'll stop talking about chemistry from an academic position and begin to steer toward chemistry from an organizational perspective.

Most superior sports teams will always strive to create good team chemistry. They need solid leadership that teaches and trains. The team needs skilled players at each position. They really need to be able to trust each other to perform the tasks designated for each player and know the person next to them is capable and will step up to complete the task. In football, the linemen count on the person to their right and left to block and protect. The running back trusts the linemen to block according to the play called. Skill, understanding, execution, and celebration are all important components to any successful player and team. The breakdown in chemistry occurs when one player seeks stardom at the expense of other teammates.

Note: Every team needs superstars who can do great things. However, if superstars set their importance above that of the team, bad things begin to happen.

Take for instance the college running back who exploded in anger after his team lost on Saturday. The young man was frustrated and angry at how the coaches called the game and in his opinion the coaches 'under used' his talent. Perhaps. As he transitions to the professional level, I pray he will mature quite a bit.

A general statement for any sports team is that "We win as a team; we lose as a team". Team chemistry plays a huge part of this mindset. If we love and trust one another and perform to our potential, good things happen. If we put forth a mediocre effort and point fingers at our teammates, bad things happen.

Churches are not much different than the local football team or the professional one that plays in Pittsburgh. Churches that plant trust and forgiveness into their soil will reap rewards of spiritual growth and life saving ministry

Churches that contain superstars bent on their own status and accolades will often struggle and fail to realize spiritual growth and ministry will be a struggle. This isn't a new concept. Take a look at the leaders Jesus chose to change the world...

"They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing

about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the

greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be

the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:33-35, NIV)

The disciples were arguing over who was the greatest.... Jesus need not have asked them the question because he knew these men and understood their misguided ambitions.

If you are getting upset over not being used in ministry, stop it!

If you see another person have gifts you wished you had, stop it!

If the pastor didn't speak to you on Sunday and you think she/he is a jerk, stop it!

Churches need unity in order to move and change this dark world and it's found in one place. The Holy Spirit dwells internally in each heart of every person who professes Jesus as Lord. That means pride, selfishness, and self-importance need to be cast aside. Throw of those things that hinder our faith journey and debilitate our witness.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off

everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the

race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1, NIV)

Cool to think of believers in Christ cheering each other on in our task to make disciples for Jesus. I for one do not want to disappoint them or my God. With Christ as our coach, let's get together team and take our coach to one more struggling person.