Did you know the word teamwork isn’t found in the Bible, but the concept is in every aspect of ministry? Serving on our women’s ministry leadership team, I’m often asked, “What’s the secret sauce that makes it so effective and impactful?” My initial response is always, “Jesus” and “Teamwork!” I also quickly emphasize the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit’s leading, obediently acting upon God’s Word, and staying united. These practices make biblical teamwork extraordinary because they enable women in ministry to flourish individually and collectively. However, teamwork is more than a simple approach; it is a spiritual truth.
The Bible has fantastic examples of people coming together to accomplish God’s purposes. From the building of the tabernacle in 2 Samuel to the spread of the early church in the book of Acts, teamwork was essential. When we unite to use our diverse gifts and perspectives, amazing things can happen for the kingdom of God. Ministering to women is no different.
Below are the seven teamwork secrets for an influential women’s ministry.
Take the Initiative And Get Biblical Wisdom
A great example of teamwork is Judges 4–5, where Deborah took the initiative to collaborate with Barak and Jael to help bring a nation back to the Lord. When the Israelites fell back into sin, evilness, and oppression, God called “Deborah, a prophetess and the wife of Lappidoth, [who] was judging Israel at that time ” to settle disputes while sitting under a palm in the hill country of Ephraim (Judg. 4:4-5).
From the story, Deborah’s character reveals she was a wise, discerning woman who knew God’s Word. She regularly worshiped, pointed people to God, and was keen on Israel’s needs. This mother of Israel was well-respected in the community and took the initiative to help others. People traveled from all over to ask for her advice on spiritual matters. Even Barak came when Deborah summoned him, and he listened to her instructions. This woman sought biblical wisdom and acted upon God’s truth. We must follow suit, especially when on a leadership team.
Adhering to Biblical Authority
When God led Deborah to lead Israel into battle, she turned to Barak, a military commander, for assistance. This action is a crucial element of teamwork in partnering with God and others. Barak recognized her wise judgment and insisted she accompany him into battle, which furthers the idea of teamwork (vv. 8-9). Although Deborah did not physically fight in the war, her God-given role encouraged and reminded Barak of God’s presence and direction.
Her success came from recognizing God’s authoritative power, encouraging others to adhere to God’s Word, and collaborating with male leadership. Those on women’s ministry teams would do well to understand the biblical mandate and know God’s authoritative roles for both genders. As image-bearers of Christ, we need to cooperate with the Spirit’s leading and co-labor alongside our brothers in Christ. Leading a women’s ministry team requires seeking biblical authority—especially one’s pastor.
Needing Strategic Sister-Support
Another essential member who brought about Israel’s victory is a Kenite woman named Jael. She was resourceful, strategic, fearless, and stood for truth when her husband sided with the enemy. When the evil man, Sisera, fled the battle from Barak, he sought refuge in Jael’s tent, where she offered hospitality and gave him milk to help him sleep (vv. 18-19). Jael used her practical skills and quick discernment for kingdom purposes.
When Sisera fell asleep, she shockingly hammered a tent peg into his temple by nailing him to the ground and defeating the enemy (v. 21). On that day, God used two women from different walks of life to help secure a great victory for Israel. Women ministering to women need each other’s help, especially in recognizing the enemy’s tactics and eliminating sin. Sister support and teamwork are vital for a successful ministry and helping women thrive spiritually.
Worship & Pray Together
After the battle, Deborah and Barak sang a victory song to God for His triumph on Israel’s behalf with all the people (Judg. 5). Their worship beautifully retells the story and demonstrates deep love and devotion to God, even during their fiercest battle. One of the profound elements of teamwork is leading others to worship and celebrate with thanksgiving for what God has done. Deborah humbly declared in verse 9, “My heart is with the leaders of Israel, with the volunteers of the people. Praise the LORD!” Together, they led the people to pray through praise to their divine Deliverer.
Giving Credit to God & Others
Another exceptional team-like quality of Deborah was her ability to give God the glory for winning the battle. We never read that she ever took credit for what Jael did. Deborah humbly sang her teammate’s praise by saying, “Most blessed of women is Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite; she is most blessed among tent-dwelling women” (v. 24). What an incredible example Deborah left for us to follow. May we build others up daily, glorify God for the success He brings, and be grateful for others.
Unity, Encouragement & Peace
The story in Judges ends with Deborah encouraging those who love God to unite and “be like the rising of the sun in its strength” (v. 31). Each person in the narrative displayed remarkable leadership qualities that showed up in the strength of teamwork. The final inspiring result was unity and peace in the land for forty years.
Deborah and Jael demonstrated how women can work together to fulfill their unique roles and achieve extraordinary results. Their teamwork encouraged women in ministry to utilize their spiritual gifts, step into leadership positions, and work together to overcome challenges and defeat the enemy’s tactics to fulfill God’s purposes.
We must remember that effective teamwork doesn’t just happen overnight. It requires us to stay humble, teachable, and intentional while having a servant’s heart. We must prioritize the team’s success over personal ambitions and seek the kingdom of God first. Relying on God’s power will require each member to roll up our sleeves and do the rewarding work to carry out the gospel together.
Get Started Today!
It’s magical to see teamwork among women and watch them encourage each other to accomplish more for the cause of Christ! Having a team of imperfect people join God’s perfect mission and depend on Jesus is the authentic “secret sauce” to having an influential women’s ministry. We must never forget teamwork in women’s ministry is more than just a good idea; it’s biblical!
So, if you don’t have a women’s ministry team, start today! Even if it is just one other person, pray, seek God’s Word, and implement what the Spirit reveals. Don’t forget to celebrate the small victories of new beginnings. If you are already on a women’s ministry leadership team, look for ways to embrace these powerful teamwork concepts to fulfill God’s mission more effectively and make a lasting impact.
ABOUT DEE HUMPHREY
Dee Humphrey joyously leads the women’s ministry at First Baptist Church in Grove, Oklahoma. With over two decades of experience, she is passionate about teaching the Bible, creating impactful events, and sharing the gospel to draw women into a deeper relationship with God. Dee holds a Master of Divinity in Ministry to Women from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and loves to help women overcome adversity and discover their God-given gifts. She is committed to influencing the next generation to make a kingdom difference. Connect with Dee at @dee_humphrey on Instagram.
