Doing ministry alone is foolish and dangerous. Many of you know that, but here’s the issue: many times it can be easier (in some ways) and more convenient to do ministry alone; you know where you want to go with curriculum, you know how you want to run certain events, you know how you want to structure meetings, etc. Most honest opinions would acknowledge that doing ministry ourselves saves both time and energy, but last time I checked the Scriptures didn’t say anything like, “Ministry=whatever is comfortable and fits your agenda.”
In John C. Maxwell’s book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow them and People Will Follow You (2007), John shares the importance of connection and leadership. The stronger the relationship, the more effectively the leader can persuade people to help. Connect with people at an individual level. When speaking to groups or working with groups, always remember that the group is a collection of individuals. Each of those individuals has their own needs, wants, and desires. When you understand what individuals need and you strive to fulfill those needs, you improve the ability to reach your goals and the stronger your leadership becomes.
John shares the law of the inner circle. A leader does not achieve success alone – on his own merits. A leader depends on his core team to achieve great things together. Without a good team, the opportunity to perform at high-levels and produce consistently does not exist. The law of the inner circle dictates that a leader’s potential comes from those that are closest to him – the team.
Without transparent friendships, ministers are dangerously vulnerable. Our world values independence. "Making it on your own" is the "highest achievement," and depending on others is viewed as weakness. That's far from a kingdom mentality. God, the consummate Being who could run the show alone, valued relationship