Labels

Show more

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team for Small Churches

As a pastor of a small church, you know that building a strong and effective team is essential for the success of your ministry. However, even the most committed and talented team members can struggle to work together effectively if certain issues are not addressed. In this post, we’ll explore the five dysfunctions of a team from Author Patrick Lencioni and how pastors of small churches can address them.

  1. Absence of Trust

The first dysfunction of a team is the absence of trust. When team members do not trust one another, they are less likely to be open and honest with one another, which can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication, and a lack of collaboration. To address this dysfunction, pastors can create a culture of openness and vulnerability, where team members are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment.

  1. Fear of Conflict

The second dysfunction of a team is a fear of conflict. When team members are afraid to disagree with one another, they are less likely to challenge ideas, share opinions, and debate different perspectives. To address this dysfunction, pastors can encourage healthy conflict and debate, while ensuring that it remains respectful and constructive.

  1. Lack of Commitment

The third dysfunction of a team is a lack of commitment. When team members do not feel invested in the team’s goals or decisions, they are less likely to take ownership of their work and contribute to the team’s success. To address this dysfunction, pastors can ensure that team members have a clear understanding of the team’s goals and purpose, and that they are given opportunities to contribute to decision-making processes.

  1. Avoidance of Accountability

The fourth dysfunction of a team is avoidance of accountability. When team members are not held accountable for their actions or decisions, it can lead to a lack of responsibility and a lack of follow-through. To address this dysfunction, pastors can create a culture of accountability, where team members are held responsible for their work and are encouraged to hold one another accountable as well.

  1. Inattention to Results

The fifth dysfunction of a team is inattention to results. When team members are not focused on achieving the team’s goals and objectives, it can lead to a lack of progress and a lack of motivation. To address this dysfunction, pastors can ensure that team members are aligned around a common set of goals and objectives, and that they are rewarded for achieving those goals.

Pastors of small churches can address the five dysfunctions of a team by creating a culture of openness and vulnerability, encouraging healthy conflict and debate, ensuring that team members are invested in the team’s goals and decisions, creating a culture of accountability, and aligning team members around a common set of goals and objectives. By addressing these dysfunctions, pastors can build strong and effective teams that will help their churches thrive and grow.


Have you read this book? If so which of these do you see being the most challenging for you to implement on your teams?


Small Church Guys exists to serve you and your congregation, and we are committed to empower small churches to make a difference in their communities. We believe that no church is too small to have an impact, and we're here to help you fulfill your mission. If you are interested in learning more about how we can support you please give us a call or visit our website we hope to hear from you...

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Week 3: When the Numbers Don’t Add Up – Why God Still Builds His Church

You don’t need a seminary degree to see that churches are closing their doors at an alarming rate. In 2025, Carey Nieuwhof’s Church Trends report estimates that church closures in the U.S. outpace new church plants by a ratio of 3-to-1 . In raw numbers, that’s potentially 7,000 churches disappearing every year. Many of these are small churches. Churches like yours. Maybe you’ve seen it firsthand. That neighboring congregation who sold their building. The pastor friend who quietly stepped away. The older church a few blocks down that once thrived but now barely keeps the lights on. And perhaps—if we’re honest—you’ve wondered: How long can we hold on? If these stats make you feel like the odds are against you, you’re not alone. But before despair creeps in, let’s pause and remember: God is not surprised. He is not panicked. And He is not powerless. He still builds His Church. This Is Not the First Time the Church Has Faced Crisis Jesus didn’t promise His followers that church growt...
Read more

Week 4: No Copy-Paste Needed – The Beauty of Being Your Church

 If you've been in ministry for more than a few months, you've probably felt the pressure: Make your church more modern, more exciting, more relevant. Maybe you've asked yourself: Do we need better lighting? Should I change my preaching style? Is our worship too old-school? Are we behind because we don’t have a full creative team or slick social media? Carey Nieuwhof’s 2025 Church Trends report calls this out directly. He points to the growing fatigue with “just-add-water” church models—the kind where every church looks, sounds, and feels exactly the same. A modern worship band. Three Hillsong or Maverick City songs. A cool logo. An upbeat sermon. Coffee. Kids check-in. Go home. There was a time when this formula “worked.” But in today’s spiritual landscape—especially among Gen Z and Millennials—it’s wearing thin. People aren’t looking for a copy of culture. They’re looking for an alternative to it . Enter: The rise of the non-derivative church. What Is a...
Read more

Church Revitalization: 5 Essential Steps to Renewing Your Church - Wk 3

Week 3: Heart Surgery – Transforming Church Culture & Addressing Conflict Church culture is the unseen force that defines how people interact, worship, and serve together. While theology and mission provide the framework, it is culture that determines whether a church thrives in unity or collapses in division. Many churches that struggle with revitalization do not have a vision problem; they have a culture problem . This week, we will examine how to diagnose unhealthy church culture, resolve conflicts biblically, and create a culture of unity and health. Diagnosing the Health of Church Culture Church culture is shaped by attitudes, behaviors, and unwritten rules that govern how people engage with one another. Here are key indicators of a toxic church culture: Persistent Conflict – Ongoing disputes that are never fully resolved. Cliques & Division – Groups within the church that exclude others. Negative Speech & Gossip – Conversations that spread division instead of encou...
Read more