Issue #418, March 11, 2026
Every organization rises or falls on the strength of its teams. When leaders intentionally build teams with synergy, people flourish and remarkable outcomes are achieved. Jesus understood this principle well and carefully and prayerfully built a team that would eventually change the world.
13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him (Mark 3:13-19, NIV).
After calling this unlikely group of twelve Jesus spent three years to shape them into a team with remarkable synergy that would literally change the world. Notice how He did it.
Team synergy brings flourishing by building relationships.
Jesus “appointed twelve that they might be with him….” The first concern of Jesus was that the disciples would be in relationship—first with Him and then with each other. He understood that the only way they would be able to change the world was if they learned to know, trust, and love each other. Relationships can be difficult, messy and challenging and Jesus’ team experienced all of this. But over the course of three years, they became a strongly united team. People are designed for relationships and effective leaders find ways to build healthy relationships with their team. They recognize that each person on the team has their own dreams, hopes and challenges. They are not simply machines to do tasks.
Some leaders build teams around tasks expecting that the common goal will result in synergy. They don’t spend time or energy building relationships. But serving leaders first build teams around shared relationships that build trust and respect.
Team synergy brings flourishing by uniting around a mission.
“He appointed twelve…that he might send them out to preach…and drive out demons.” Jesus had a mission to be accomplished with the team that He chose—they were to go out and preach. Strong relationships were the foundation that launched them into mission. All teams exist for a purpose and Jesus made it clear from the beginning what their task would be.
Some leaders build teams that relate well together but don’t accomplish the mission! Serving leaders hold teams accountable to accomplish the mission.
Team synergy brings flourishing by encouraging diversity.
“These are the twelve he appointed.” It is hard to imagine a more diverse group of 12 than this group. Some were uneducated fisherman or tradesmen; at least one was a professional. Some were outspoken; others didn’t say anything that was recorded! Some were working with the Romans; others were committed to resist their rule. Jesus deliberately brought together a diverse team. He understood that when relationships are built and a common mission is shared, diversity strengthens the team and maximizes impact.
Some leaders try to build diverse teams without relationships. The result is explosive! But serving leaders deliberately build diverse teams with a foundation of healthy relationships and a clear mission focus.
For further reflection and discussion:
Reflect on your own leadership journey in relation to the synergy of the team(s) you lead. On a scale of 1-10 (10 is perfect) how would you rate your own leadership? Do I tend to focus on relationships or mission on my team? What is the result in my leadership?
- How healthy are relationships on my team(s)? What is something I can do this week to strengthen relationships between myself and the team and between team members?
- How do I keep my team accountable to outcomes that advance our mission?
Is my team diverse enough in strengths, personalities, and perspectives to accomplish all they can do? If not, what changes can I make?
In addition to the scripture used in this issue, reflect on the following verses from the life of Jesus: Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 10:35-45; Luke 6:12-13, 9:46-48, 9:51-55, 10:1, 22:24-31; John 1:35-51; Romans 12:3-8; and 1 Corinthians 12. What additional insights do you find?
Until next time, yours on the journey,
Jon Byler
In the next issue, we’ll look at the final element of a flourishing culture: Growing Leaders
*Note: This series is based on The LeadersServe Culture™ which is designed to help people flourish and organizations thrive. This happens when leaders serve. The LeadersServe Culture™ training provides an in depth look at each of these elements with practical exercises to clarify, communicate, and cultivate each one into the life of your organization. For more information about this model and other training resources visit www.LeadersServe.com