GROWTH
Each Life Team consists of 3 to 12 people. The LifeTeam Leader must train a new leader(s) to take over a new Life Team (birthed from the present team) once the total number of people reaches a maximum of 15. Usually a natural break can take place. Be sensitive in recognizing leadership qualities. Every LifeTeam Leader must have a vision for multiplication and commitment to growth.
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
EVANGELISM
Friends, family, neighbors or business associates are leading approximately 80% of people into salvation, showed polls and surveys recently taken. An encounter with the power of God accounts for approximately 85% of all salvations. Very few people are relatively saved during a church service. It is much easier for a person to enter into your home than it is for them to enter into a traditional church building.
TRUE PASTORING
The Shepherd's responsibility of protecting, feeding, and guiding must be outworked in a smaller group setting. A shepherd calls his sheep by name.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
It is impossible for any one man, or even a handful of men, to effectively pastor a congregation of any significant size. The pastoring of God's people can only be outworked as the Lord raises up many shepherds of tens, fifties, hundreds, and thousands. Though responsibilities and spiritual authority vary, each is only in active relationship with a smaller group of three to twelve saints. Once Life Team Leaders begin interacting with God's people, needs are met, “gifts” stirred, potential developed, and the process of helping saints’ find their place in the body will be well underway.
DISCIPLESHIP
True biblical discipleship flows out of healthy relationships. Every believer needs to have seasoned saints around to encourage, correct and support. Likewise, each of us need to be able to give, share, and encourage those younger than us in the Lord. Paul's command to Timothy was to seek out faithful men and to teach them what he, himself, was taught.
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
EQUIPPING THE SAINTS FOR THE MINISTRY
Ephesians 4 tells us that apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers were given to equip the saints to do the work of the ministry.
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
What better place to begin to work out callings and giftings in the Lord than in a small group setting. LifeTeams provide a forgiving environment to begin to step out in spiritual gifting, to learn inter-relational skills and to minister to others. Faithfulness in the smaller things warrants God's blessings and increase into greater responsibility and usefulness in God's kingdom.