The Challenge of
Working as a Team
A Common illustration:
Is this model too individualistic?
Is there something better to illustrate
A biblical vision of teamwork, partnership
and cooperation...
Even an effective cell group?
Migratory Geese
The Canadian Goose
Snow Geese
Lessons
Lessons from Geese was
transcribed from a seminar by Angeles
Arien in 1991, based on the work of
Milton Olson. Adapted by Michael
Counter.
http://www.leadershipi2i.com/geese.cfm
Source:
Flying in the “V” formation
Lessons
We can learn from how migratory geese fly
together in the “v” formation.
Fact 1:
By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock
has 71% greater flying range than if each bird
flew alone. Each bird cuts the wind for the ones
that follow.
Lesson: Staying together we can go much
farther. By sharing a common direction and
sense of community can get where we are
going more efficiently and using less energy
because we share the task.
Lessons
Fact 2:
When a goose falls out of formation, it
suddenly feels the drag and resistance
of flying alone. It quickly moves back
into formation to take advantage of the
lifting power of the bird immediately in
front of it.
Lesson: We should stay in formation with
those headed where we want to go. We
should accept help and give our help to
others always.
Lessons
Fact 3:
When the lead bird tires, it rotates back
into the formation to take advantage of the
lifting power of the bird immediately in
front of it.
Lesson: Leadership should be shared, even
more so in difficult tasks.
People, cell groups and churches are at their
best when they are interdependant,
needing the abilities, skills, spiritual gifts
and resources that others posses.
Lessons
Fact 4:
The geese flying in formation honk to
encourage those up front to keep up their
speed.
Lesson: In groups where there is
encouragement, productivity is much
greater. We need to make sure our honking
is encouraging. The power of
encouragement (to stand by one’s heart or
core values and to encourage the heart and
core values of others) is the quality of
honking we seek.
Lessons
Fact 5:
When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot
down, two geese drop out of formation and
follow it down to help and protect it. They
stay with it until it dies or is able to fly
again. Then, they launch out with another
formation to catch up with the flock.
Lesson: We should stand by each other in
difficult times as well as when we’re
strong.
May the God
who gives endurance and encouragement
give you a spirit of unity among yourselves
as you follow Christ Jesus,
so that with one heart and mouth
you may glorify the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6
Make every effort
to keep the unity of the Spirit
through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:3
How can we fly in the “V”
Formation?
(Be Interdependent)
A better cooperation in projects that come
from our common vision and values:
•Planting New Churches
•Preparing new leaders and full-time
workers
•Serving Cities with a vision to evangelize
and multiply churches.
Make every effort
to keep the unity of the Spirit
through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:3