By: Bryan Sampson

Who doesn’t love a good superhero? With their amazing powers, personal struggles, and a moral purpose, all mixed together with a dash of humanity, what isn’t there to love? Do you know what all of the greatest superheroes have in common? It isn’t their powers; it isn’t their purpose; it is that they knew they could be more powerful and have a greater impact if they worked together as a team. The Justice League, The Avengers, and my personal favorite, The X-Men all came together because their creators knew that nothing could be more powerful than a team of the most powerful.

This truth comes from our God, our Creator, who abides in the Trinity, the most powerful and synergistic team that could ever be known. Our Creator wants us to not just read about, or study, the impact of a powerful team. He wants us to experience it. He wants us to experience the synergy that comes from a healthy and high performing team. He gave us His Spirit so that we would have power, not for individual gain but for His team and purpose (Acts 1:8). I believe this is what God had in mind when He states to the Corinthians “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgement” (1 Cor 1:10). God knew the power of the church, the power of believers coming together with one mind, one spirit, and one purpose. This is the only way that His power and kingdom could be present in this very dark world. He knew that divisions and individualism would only lead to self-autonomy and pride, with an impact that would-be minute at best. Jesus died for the church, for His team, let us not individualize it to the point where we create “silos” and keep out those God desires us to join with. He wanted you to be a part of His team. If we are going to truly be the vessels God uses to bring life transformation to those struggling, then we must begin to see the purpose of the power and team God has blessed us with.

Just being a part of a “team” isn’t enough. We must begin to strive for synergy within our teams. If synergy is the “interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects” (Witt, 2018, p. 28), then how would you assess your team currently? Do you believe there is the right combination of health and performance on your team? Are you producing a more powerful effect individually, if so why? What can you do today to help your team produce the synergy God desires and your team needs, to manifest His power and create the greatest impact for His kingdom?

Works Cited

Witt, L. (2018). High Impact Teams: where healthy meets high performance. Grand Rapids: Baker Books.

Name: James Michael Cox

Age: 30

Hometown: Marco Island, FL

Teen Challenge Center: Fort Myers 2018

Brief Testimony

I spend nearly a decade living successful in the eyes of the world, but my spirit was dead. My party lifestyle and opiate addiction slowly grew into a life dependent on heroin and cocaine. Having known of God, but never knowing God, he brought me to Teen Challenge and reintroduced himself to me. This time, I met him halfway, and my life has been one giant miracle ever since. Opportunities and blessings in the lives of my family and I, continue to show.

What is the vision and calling that God has given you?

Dean Sikes said, “What you overcome in life usually becomes your platform in life.” Jesus has called me to extend my season with Teen Challenge into an internship. I can relate to broken individuals with no passion, purpose, or God in their lives. My calling is to put aside my selfish desires, and help others.

How has the ELP Program impacted you?

This program has aided my understanding of how to live abiding by Christian principles. Leadership skills, boundaries with relationships, and confidence in the Lord, are all becoming realities for me very quickly. If anyone knew me 14 months ago, the previous sentence would have been perceived as laughable.

Name: Chris McKinney

Age: 26

Hometown: Crossville, Tennessee

Teen Challenge Center: Pensacola 2012

Brief Testimony 

When I arrived at Pensacola Teen Challenge I was broken and hopeless. I needed a change in my life. My mother was graduating the program the Sunday before I went into the program and through her testimony I came to know Christ! God has used this ministry to change my life and has called me to serve with Teen Challenge. I am grateful each day for my beautiful wife and son. God has restored my entire family and made me a new man! Without TC I would be dead, in jail, or still bound in addiction thank God for this wonderful ministry!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy getting an opportunity to pour into people’s lives, especially our Emerging Leaders. Being able to watch God move in their hearts and develop leadership within them each day is amazing.

 Why do you feel that leadership and training are valuable?  

I find it valuable because it is, in my heart, the center of discipleship. It is part of the Great Commission! It is part of God’s plan and it encourages people to understand that God has something special for their life. Training and leadership are also vital to develop consistency, excellence, and a standard that would match the stewardship level God wants us to have in the ministry of Teen Challenge.