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Teams vs Committees

In 2021, we made a big decision as a church—we would move from a church of committees to a church of teams.

A team is two or more people who collaborate to accomplish a common goal or activity. We have several teams at Mayflower: A worship team, a nursery team, a BFG leader team, a church sanctuary team, a greeter team, an usher team, a Christianity Explored team, and an AV Team. We are working to build other teams: a missions and outreach team and a K-5 Sunday school teacher team are two that immediately come to mind.

Teams are different from committees in many ways:

  • Committees governed themselves, whereas teams come under the oversight of either the Board of Elders, Deacons, or Trustees.
  • Committees required that a person be a member of the church to be a member of a committee. In teams, only the team leader is required to be a member. Anyone who attends Mayflower can participate as a member of a team.
  • Committee members and chairs were approved by a vote of the church. Team leaders are appointed by the board that oversees their work.
  • Committees kept minutes and reported their work to a Steering Committee each month. Teams are not required to keep records, except those necessary to accomplish their task. Teams report as needed to the board that oversees them.
  • Committees could tend to get bogged down in procedural matters, slowing the work and excitement that comes with ministry. Teams move at the pace that the Lord is leading, and teams quickly adapt to new situations.
  • In our old committee structure, people were recruited and asked to serve. In our new team structure, you should not necessarily expect an invitation. In fact, do not wait for one! You can join teams that interest you and in which you believe you are gifted to serve. If you see a need for a team and want to lead it, please reach out to Pastor Anton or one of the Elders.
  • Most importantly, teams look outward and their work is outside the leadership of the church. This enables Mayflower to invite more people into the joy and excitement of serving the Lord. It is an open door and an open arms approach to making people feel welcome and a part of what is going on at Mayflower.
  • The posture of a committee was closed off, whereas in teams everyone gets to play.