Activate Abundance 3: Collaboration in the Body of Christ

I knew that there was a phrase “us four and no more”, but I didn’t know it was a whole syndrome (I googled it, LOL!)! Phrase or syndrome, it’s not good - collaboration is key in the Kingdom! When we adopt this “us four and no more” mentality, when we allow that scarcity mentality in, we are making a mistake that limits our potential. God’s work is rarely done in isolation. We need collaboration with God’s people!

What is collaboration? This is an action: the process of working together or cooperating, and it could also be a noun: a product resulting from working together or cooperating.  I’ve hit the example of Peter calling the other nearby fisherman to help him collect that miraculous catch (Luke 5) pretty hard lately, so I’ll give you a break on that one.  The Word is FULL of examples that demonstrate to us that we are built for community and that we need to operate in unity, in collaboration to see the Kingdom of God expand!

Biblical Examples of Collaboration in the Old Testament: 

Moses, Aaron, and Hur (Exodus 17:8–13): when Israel fought the Amalekites, Moses needed help to keep his hands raised.  This was necessary: “As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning”. Aaron and Hur stepped in, literally holding his arms up, and the whole nation benefitted from their teamwork. 

Joshua and the people marching around Jericho (Joshua 6): the walls didn’t fall because of one man—they fell because the entire nation followed God’s instructions together in unity.

Nehemiah and the wall builders (Nehemiah 3–6): the people “had a mind to work” and rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls side by side. Each family/tribe had a section, but the work came together as one.

David’s mighty men (2 Samuel 23:8–39): though David was their leader, he didn’t win battles alone—his “mighty men” fought alongside him, each bringing their strength to the team.

Biblical Examples of Collaboration in the New Testament: 

The Paralytic’s Four Friends (Mark 2:1–12; Luke 5:17–26): these four men worked together to bring their friend to Jesus—literally carrying him and lowering him through the roof. Their unified faith resulted in healing and forgiveness.

Jesus sending out the disciples two by two (Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1): He didn’t send them alone—He intentionally paired them up, teaching that ministry is meant to be shared.

The Early Church (Acts 2:42–47; Acts 4:32–35): they shared meals, prayers, resources, and mission. Their radical unity gave their witness power.

Paul’s missionary teams (Acts 13–20; many Epistles): Paul rarely traveled alone—Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Luke, Priscilla & Aquila, and others formed ministry teams. He constantly acknowledged coworkers (Romans 16 lists several of them).

These examples show collaboration at every level: leadership teams, whole communities, small groups of friends - where can you join in?

Practical Collaboration: How to Share Resources in Ministry

This isn't a blog today, is it?  This is a series of lists…. Sorry! (maybe not sorry!) I want to give you practical ways to share share share!

Simple, Right-Now Collaboration (Easy to Start Today):

1. Invite someone to church or an event – share your personal invitation; a text, call, or social media post works
2. Share a podcast episode or blog post – help extend the ministry’s voice by forwarding content to friends, family, or small groups. Post encouraging content on social media – a short “Check this out!” post about a sermon, devotional, or ministry update. Pray for the ministry or pastor – let them know you’re actively praying and encourage others to join
3. Send a note of encouragement – a short, thoughtful message (email, text, or handwritten) can strengthen morale and connection

All of this is collaboration with a ministry, leader, author, creator, pastor - this is you being part of the team, even if it is more passive.  Support is support! 

Active, More Personal Collaboration (Investing Time or Resources):

1. Volunteer your time or skills – help with event planning, social media, mentoring, or administrative tasks
2. Provide or create resources – share useful tools, teaching materials, study guides, or books that support the ministry’s goals
3. Mentor or coach others – guide someone in faith, leadership, or life skills, extending the ministry’s impact
4. Financial support or sponsorship – invest in the ministry’s projects, events, or outreach efforts
5. Collaborate on content creation – help write, film, or produce podcasts, blogs, or devotionals; or offer research and ideas to enhance messages

This is you collaborating as a team member, more active support! Active or passive, just get started sharing!

I had reached out to an author friend of mine once. She had written a devotional that was really meaningful to me.  I wanted to share one of her concepts, and messaged her to ask for permission.  I was not surprised by her reaction (because I knew her heart), but this is so opposite what many people (even in Christendom) think, it’s worth sharing here:

I asked if I could share her insight and of course mentioned that I would give her credit.  I offered to have her as a guest on my podcast, she was welcome to share this insight firsthand. Want to know what her response was?  It will bless you as it blessed me!  

She said, “Jennifer, of course you can share what you read!  Give me credit or don’t give me credit, that doesn’t matter to me - it was an insight from the Lord, it was never mine in the first place! Yes, of course I  will come on the podcast if you like - but don’t let scheduling get in the way of getting the Word out!  Oh my goodness, with or without me, share!” 

I did give her credit, of course - it was an honor to collaborate and I am so blessed by her ministry!  Talk about the opposite of scarcity mentality!  I loved it and I was inspired by her all over again!  

In collaborating, we are holding each other’s arms up and we are winning!  My friend shared with me, I shared with you, you shared with them, they shared with….. And that number grows and grows!

Why Collaboration Matters

I think the enemy of collaboration is competition.  I think the root of competition many times can be found in jealousy (not good - see James 3:14-16, we talked about this in https://connectmentoringnetwork.org/prayer/pray-for-others-success-how-to-overcome-envy-in-ministry/) and in fear. When we allow fear and jealousy to dictate our actions, we miss out on the extraordinary outcomes that happen when God’s people unite in purpose.

It’s been lists today - let’s keep that going: 

• Collaboration is necessary in ministry because no one person can fulfill the calling of God alone. Even the most gifted leaders are limited in time, resources, and perspective. 
• Collaboration cultivates unity in the Body of Christ. Jesus prayed in John 17 that His followers would be one, just as He and the Father are one. When believers collaborate instead of compete, we reflect Christ’s love and unity to the world.
• Collaboration encourages accountability, growth, and the development of new ideas. By sharing insights, experiences, and spiritual gifts, we create a culture of mutual support that is far more fruitful than working in isolation.
• Collaboration also protects us from burnout. Ministry can be demanding, and trying to do everything alone can quickly exhaust even the most passionate leaders. When we share responsibilities and resources, we not only relieve the pressure on ourselves but also allow others to contribute their unique talents.

Collaboration in ministry is also an act of obedience and trust. It says, “God, I believe You have given others gifts to complement mine, and I am willing to work together for Your glory.” When fear and jealousy are set aside, and unity and purpose are prioritized, collaboration allows the Kingdom to expand far beyond what any one of us could accomplish alone. In ministry, as in life, we are far stronger together than apart.

So share share share! Together is a treasure!

Join me on Thursday - let's continue the conversation on the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferWSpivey and thanks for joining me on the blog today!