Maybe We’re Not All On the Same Team

For years I have heard Christians describe various churches in a community as being on the same team. This has most often been the phrase used when seeking to tamp down the reality of competition that develops between local churches. I understand the meaning of the phrase and have said it numerous times. Despite the “rah, rah” cheer intended to create unity among Christians in a community it has always seemed less than convincing.

Certainly, we’re not in competition. We are all on the same team, working for the same goal. How could any faithful follower of Christ not affirm such?

Yet, I have never heard the claim “We’re on the same team” used other than as a response when competitive feelings rise between churches, especially when one church has members who were formerly members of another.

What if we are not on the same team?

That sounds so wrong, doesn’t it?

Since football season has just begun, once again fans are cheering for their favorite teams. There is great devotion for a fanbase. At the Jaguars game, people come together, wearing teal and black and cheering on the team. Fandom for a football team does not equate with the deep bonds of those within the family of God serving together in a local church. However, there are similarities.

Perhaps the various local churches (of similar doctrine, holding to biblical fidelity) are less like one team, but more like different teams in the same league.

Back to football—all teams in the NFL play the same game. They have the same rulebook. Yet, some teams are located in larger markets with more people. Others are in smaller markets. Some have more funds to spend than others. Certain teams have larger stadiums while others are older or awaiting new stadiums. Some have strong leaders who stay for years. Others seem to have a different coach or quarterback every season.

Churches in a community can be like this as well. Some are in faster growing areas. Others are in older areas with little growth. Some have long-time leaders. Others have a revolving door of pastoral leadership. Some are in older buildings. Others are in a perpetual building program.

Various churches in a community may not necessarily be on the same team, but certainly in the same league, working to reach more people with the good news of Jesus Christ. At times, the league needs to expand (church planting) and sometimes there’s a relocation and renaming (maybe like the Ravens?)

The universal church is authentic, but it is within the local church that God places his children and commands them to serve. Each church has a pastor responsible for the flock. Even with similar doctrine, various churches have their own unique personalities.

It just seems that the claim “we’re on the same team” may be intended to eliminate the feelings of competition (which it does not) but ultimately may fuel the belief that the local church is of lesser value than Scripture intends.

I love our church. I hope you do as well. I appreciate the various local churches (the true ones preaching the gospel with biblical fidelity) throughout our community and pray for them, but my team is First Baptist Church of Orange Park and am thankful for it.

I pray you love your church, your team, your family deeply.