One of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time, John Wooden, believed teamwork was the indispensable ingredient of success. During an incredible 12-season stretch in the 1960s and 1970s, Wooden’s UCLA teams won an astonishing 10 NCAA Championships.
While he coached many players who later became NBA superstars, Wooden never allowed individual talent to overshadow the team. His philosophy was simple: “The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.”
One of those stars was Bill Walton. Gifted, outspoken, and influenced by the “do your own thing” spirit of the early 1970s, Walton returned from semester break sporting a bushy red beard—even though Coach Wooden had a strict team rule prohibiting facial hair.
When Wooden confronted him, Walton responded, “It’s my right.”
“That’s good, Bill,” Wooden calmly replied. “I admire people who have strong beliefs and stick by them. We’re going to miss you.”
Walton got the message. He shaved the beard, remained on the team, and UCLA went on to win another national championship.
Great teams understand that no individual is bigger than the team.
The same principle applies to God’s people.
Luke described the first-century church in Jerusalem this way: “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common” (Acts 2:44).
Together.
That single word captures God’s design for His family. The Captain of our salvation has brought us together. We worship together. We serve together. We grow together. We encourage one another. And ultimately, we win together.
This is the third post in our series, Developing the Heart of a Spiritual Champion, based on the classes we’re teaching this week at the Wellandport VBS.
One of the first lessons of teamwork is that it divides the load but multiplies the effort. Solomon observed, “Two are better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). We see that truth illustrated when Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ weary hands so Israel could prevail in battle (Exodus 17:11-13). Together they accomplished what Moses could not have done alone.
Teamwork also creates connection and community. The early Christians devoted themselves to one another, sharing life as well as worship (Acts 2:42-47). There’s a significant difference between merely attending church and truly belonging to a spiritual family. God calls us to be connected members of one body (Romans 12:4-5).
Paul reminds us that we strengthen the whole body when we put others ahead of ourselves. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3-4). When we add value to others, we add value to the team.
Effective teams are built on people who genuinely care for one another (Galatians 6:2), communicate honestly, encourage spiritual growth (Hebrews 10:24-25), and understand that every member has a unique role to fulfill (Romans 12:3-8). Just as every player contributes differently to a championship team, every Christian has been given gifts and opportunities to bless the body of Christ.
So, what does it mean to be a team player?
It means being selfless, following the example of Jesus, who came “not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45).
It means being generous, sharing not only our resources but also our time, talents, encouragement, and compassion (Acts 20:35).
It means being loyal, standing with our brothers and sisters during times of conflict, disappointment, and adversity, much like Ruth demonstrated through her unwavering commitment.
And it means being dependable. Faithfulness is one of God’s highest expectations for His servants (1 Corinthians 4:2). Others should know they can count on us.
How do we cultivate this spirit of teamwork?
By becoming encouragers (1 Thessalonians 5:11), showing mutual respect, supporting faithful spiritual leadership, and willingly sacrificing personal preferences for the good of the body. Sometimes the greatest victories come when we surrender our own rights so the Lord’s work can move forward.
Chuck Swindoll beautifully summarized the importance of teamwork:
“Nobody is the whole team…we need each other, you need someone, and someone needs you… Since none of us is the whole, independent, self-sufficient, super-capable, all-powerful hotshot, let’s quit acting like we are.”
A Chinese proverb expresses the same truth in fewer words:
“Behind an able man are always other able men.”
The Christian life was never intended to be a solo performance. God designed His people to work together, grow together, and serve together. Spiritual champions understand that while one person may make a contribution, God’s greatest victories are won by a faithful team.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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