Team Building Tips From Uzziah

“He went to war against the Philistines and broke down the walls of Gath, Jabneh and Ashdod. He then rebuilt towns near Ashdod and elsewhere among the Philistines. God helped him against the Philistines and against the Arabs who lived in Gur Baal and against the Meunites. The Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, because he had become very powerful.

Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, at the Valley Gate and at the angle of the wall, and he fortified them. He also built towers in the desert and dug many cisterns, because he had much livestock in the foothills and in the plain. He had people working his fields and vineyards in the hills and in the fertile lands, for he loved the soil.

Uzziah had a well-trained army, ready to go out by divisions according to their numbers as mustered by Jeiel the secretary and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officials. The total number of family leaders over the fighting men was 2,600. Under their command was an army of 307,500 men trained for war, a powerful force to support the king against his enemies. Uzziah provided shields, spears, helmets, coats of armor, bows and slingstones for the entire army. In Jerusalem he made machines designed by skillful men for use on the towers and on the corner defenses to shoot arrows and hurl large stones. His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful."

2 Chronicles 26: 6-15

1. Uzziah had an army equipped for combat

If you work with teens you know that Sunday School, Small Group, or midweek can be like combat. You have to deal with that parent, that kid, the adult worker. How well equipped are your youth leaders to deal with problem situations? Make sure that your leaders understand that youth ministry is fun but it can be messy. Help them understand what they are getting into without scaring the bajeebers out of them. Make sure you include sessions with your leaders on how to deal with the hard stuff (correcting a student, dealing with a parent, etc.) of youth ministry and you will make them battle ready.”

2. Uzziah equipped and broke down his team into manageable bites..

Uzziah broke down his troops into bite sized pieces. Looking at a vast army can cause panic. What am I going to do with all these people? Look at your team and see where or how you can group them. If you have a large group, try breaking your youth ministry into smaller pieces so your current or future adult leaders can grab a slice easily. If you have a small team (5 or less) try to identify each persons gifts, talents, and let them run with that class, group, or task.

3.Uzziah made sure they knew their assignments.

Each division knew what their role was. if your adults seem kind of confused as to what their role is, try making up some job descriptions that will lay a track they can run on. In addition, if you have a planning meeting, make sure everyone is clear on their assignments (who is in charge of what and when). This will cut down on any confusion at your next event. Make sure you always ask, "How can I help you be successful?"

4. Uzziah equipped them with everything they needed.

Does your Sunday School or Small Group leaders have all their material in a timely fashion? Do they need pens, sign in sheets, props, etc. Do your drivers have directions? Do your parents have calendars? All of these things are like swords, shields, and spears to a warrior. Youth leaders who have what they need when they need it can do their ministry with greater confidence. It is the role of the leader to see that the troops have the ammo they need to do what needs to be done.

5. Uzziah organized first and got creative later.

This is/was my problem. I wanted to be creative not organized; but I found out that if I will get organized first it will create the room in my life and brain to be creative later. If I am so busy putting our fires or playing catch up I will not have time to be creative and think of that next big thing or read that new book. One will lead to the other. Uzziah had time to create kick butt weaponry because his team was organized. Organize, then be creative.