Jesus prayerfully handpicked each of his disciples. Despite his careful selection and perfect leadership, Jesus had an imperfect team that struggled with interpersonal relationships, envy, critical attitudes, and conflict. His life gives us some solid principles for working with imperfect teams! Mission leaders today face the same struggles. A recent report listed interpersonal conflicts between missionaries as one of the top four hindrances to effective missions! (Bloecher 2004, 2)

Jesus was constantly developing his small band of potential world-changers. Besides teaching essential ministry skills, Jesus was constantly teaching to correct world view and values and spent considerable time addressing the practical issue of healthy relationships. Jesus taught first by his brilliant example. To his disciples he demonstrated love, patience, acceptance, and forgiveness. He refused to be manipulated by criticism and continued to love even his enemies and critics. Transparent communication was the norm for him, and he was able to gently and honestly correct people face to face. Just being with Jesus was living in a classroom.

Throughout the Gospels Jesus is seen in company with his disciples using immediate situations, their personal comments, and even negative attitudes to address relationship issues. Jesus addressed rivalry between the disciples when they were angry over requested positions (Mtt 20:20-28). He challenged the current models of autocratic leadership (Mr 10:41-45), challenged disciples with the importance of confrontation, and taught them about handling conflict (Mtt 18:15-17). Additionally, he taught and modeled foundational values of humility, forgiveness, and meekness. Jesus was never afraid to deal with even the deepest root issues such as covetousness, pride, and hypocrisy.

As a leader, staff development need not only take place in a school or classroom. Developing staff in relationships is done by modeling transparent communication, willingness to lovingly confront, and godly handling of criticism or disagreements. Discussion of relationship issues can take place at a dining room table during casual conversation, while walking down a road with a group after outreach, or in counseling individuals with people problems. Sound biblical teaching in a formal setting is still appropriate, interspersed with lots of discussion, case studies, and role play. Developing healthy relationship skills is crucial to developing healthy effective world-changers!

DEVELOPING OUR GREATEST RESOURCES!
Volume 3, Issue 4
Compiled by Randy and Jane Rhoades, Staff Development Facilitators, YWAM Africa.