The need to work together in ministry comes from the way God appoints gifts within the body of Christ. As Paul explained to the Corinthians: Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good…. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? (1 Corinthians 12:7, 1 Corinthians 12:29). There is no one member of the body who has all the gifts necessary for building up the body. Therefore, we need to work with our brothers and sisters so that God’s people receive the full range of gifts that God intends them to receive.

Pastors are often tempted to develop one-man ministries that centre around themselves. Sometimes they adopt the mindset of the business world, which sets the boss above everyone else. Sometimes they follow the pattern of a culture that exalts human leaders. Pastors feel they must do everything in the church—at least the tasks that give one status and prominence—because they feel more competent than anyone else and because they want to maintain a position of status and control. If this is how a pastor thinks, he needs to change his attitude and look for ways of including other people in the work. He needs to recognize that they have gifts that he doesn’t have, and that they can make a contribution that he cannot make. Pastors must cultivate the mindset of Paul, who said of Timothy, He is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am (1 Corinthians 16:10).