by Grady King
Better together sounds simple enough. After all, everyone needs encouragement and support, right? Yet, simple does not mean easy. And when it is ministry, we all have our opinions, preferences, and ways of doing things. Yet ministry is meant as a shared service by God’s design. Ministering together is challenging today due to our radical individualism, entitlement, and busyness. To share ministry is counter-cultural. Be yourself, make your own way, don’t depend on anyone, get more education—these are the messages of the culture. But it is not God’s way.
Sharing ministry reflects the nature of God because God is all about together. He exists as Father, Son, and Spirit. From the beginning, we read, “Let us make humankind in our image, male and female, after our likeness,” and “It is not good that man should be alone (Gen 1:26, 2:18). Plurality is the way of God—his intention for being human. Yet, as you know, better together is easier said than done even though Solomon says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and fall does not have another to help” (Eccl 4:9-10). A general proverb says, “The one who lives alone is self-indulgent, showing contempt for all who have sound judgment” (Proverbs 18:1). The principle is that isolation distorts judgment.
Consider
- Jesus and the Twelve
- Peter and John
- Aquila and Priscilla
- Paul and Barnabas
- Silas, Timothy
- Even though chosen by God, Paul did not travel or do ministry by himself.
It is significant that Jesus invested three years with the disciples (12). He called them, cared for them, taught them, and showed them what the kingdom of heaven looked like on earth. They did ministry with him. These relationships, however, had different personalities, tensions, expectations, misunderstandings, and mutual encouragement— “Iron sharpens iron and one person sharpens another” (Prov 27:17).
A Few Takeaways
Cautions
- Avoid the “I am the only one who cares and serves” syndrome (i.e., Elijah: 1 Kings 19).
- Avoid the attitude, “I know best from all the rest.”
Be Proactive
- Find and use your gifts in community (i.e., 1 Cor 12; Rom 12; 1 Peter 4:10).
- Consider how you need to balance your perspectives and gifts with others.
- Invite others to do ministry with you.
Ministry was never meant to be carried alone. When we share the work of serving others, we reflect the very nature of the God we serve—Father, Son, and Spirit working in perfect unity. Though collaboration requires humility, patience, and trust, it also brings strength, wisdom, and joy. When we serve together, we not only accomplish more; we show the world something true about God.
So, go ahead— share like God!
About the Author
Grady serves as President of HOPE Network (HN). His ministry life spans fifty years with forty years in congregational ministry in Churches of Christ in Oklahoma and Texas. While with HN he served six years as director of church resources at Oklahoma Christian.
His formal education includes degrees from Oklahoma Christian University (Bachelor of Science in Education); Abilene Christian University (Master of Science and Doctor of Ministry). His ministry passion is healthy leaders, healthy churches rooted in the gospel and missional life.
He and his wife, Karen live in Irving, TX, and are members of the Mansfield Church of Christ. They have two grown children and three grandchildren: Josh, Carolyn, and Madeline King; Chad, Christin, Sawyer, and Hudson Paradowski.
He enjoys reading, writing, sports, playing with grandchildren, and anything helpful for church leaders.
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