The favorite pastime for one of our sons is playing board games. My previous universe of board games was small – Monopoly, Risk, and others from my childhood. Our son changed that with his extensive and ever growing collection. Along the way, he introduced me to an entire category that was new to me: cooperative games. As the name implies, all the participants in these games are on the same team, working together to overcome an external challenge.

Before playing my first cooperative game, my reaction was, “This won’t be very fun.” In my mind, the enjoyment was in trying to outmaneuver my fellow players so that I could come out on top. It turns out I was wrong. A cooperative game can be just as enjoyable as a competitive one (and without the risk of hurt feelings!)

Far too often, we approach ministry more as a competitive endeavor rather than a cooperative one. Rather than focusing on the opportunities to support families, the children’s and youth ministries vie for spots on the calendar or the prime communication channels. Rather than partnering to share the gospel and transform the community, we treat the church down the street as an enemy.

I get it. I’ve been competing all of my life. It seems like the very air we breathe pushes us toward individualism, not cooperation. But pause to think about the benefits of a more collaborative approach. In the earlier examples and many others, it’s clear that greater Kingdom impact occurs when people work together.

How could you foster greater collaboration in your church or ministry?

• Pay attention to language. You may be surprised at how frequently comments imply competition, either within your church or with other churches/ministries. Be intentional to use phrases that emphasize cooperation, and challenge others when they use combative terminology.
• Seek opportunities for cooperation. Collaboration is like a muscle – it will only be strengthened through use. So plan a family event rather than separate ones for children and youth. If possible, lead the way by collaborating on something in which you’re directly involved.
• Shine the spotlight on collaboration. People pay attention to what is rewarded and celebrated. Whenever you see effective collaboration occurring, call attention to it.

Paul warns that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but … against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”  (Eph. 6:12). We are facing intense competition, but it’s not the colleagues on our staff or the church down the street. How can you win by adopting a more cooperative posture in your ministry?