I arrived at the church to set up for an event for the next day and was invited to a team dinner for the leadership team and volunteers at one of the team member’s house. What a great way to take a breath before the big event. The home was warm and welcoming, and the hostesses had attended to every detail to be sure everyone had a chance to relax and connect with one another. Instead of focusing on the last minute “to do” list, everyone shared what was going on in their lives and seemed to enjoy the “catch up” time amidst the chaotic prep-for-a-large-event time.
We took our time grazing on appetizers and feasting on a scrumptious meal. We had little room for dessert, but we manage to at least taste a couple bites. A few people left, but the core team remained behind and began to discuss the final details for the following day.
I was impressed. This team was organized. It wasn’t the first time I noticed. I had met with them early in the process, and they anticipated all my questions. They were efficient as they communicated details throughout the process, but their efficiency wasn’t at a cost of warmth and relationship. As I got to know these women, I felt as if I was part of their team and was confident we would be able to touch base at any point in the future and quickly pick up where we left off. When I walked into the church earlier that evening, the color-coded welcome packets were lined up on the front table, beautiful centerpieces were placed on each table, welcoming women to sit with a cup of coffee and enjoy their friendships, a free book table was set up, the hospitality room was prepared, and the prayer room was given special attention with even the smallest details noted. We spent intentional time in prayer before leaving the building. These women weren’t just checking off tasks to be done for an event; they were serious about preparing rich soil in which women would be challenged to grow throughout the event and beyond.
This was the super team. And I told them so. I let them know how special they were. I praised them for building and maintaining a healthy team, taking the time to spend time together, focusing on each others’ lives not just the task list of ministry. I wanted to encourage them on the eve of their large event.
As will often happen the night before an event, especially after a long day and week of preparation, the team stood in the hostess’ kitchen and began to giggle over silly things. None would seem funny if I tried to share, except…
As they began to discuss one particular detail of the day, a team member’s name was mentioned. A moment of complete silence followed. Then looks of shock and confusion. Then everyone seemed to speak at once…
Where IS she? Did you call her? I didn’t call her, did you call her? I texted her! Oh, she doesn’t text! Well, why didn’t it come back? Did you Facebook her? No, I thought I emailed her. Oh, wait, let me check my phone. Oh, no! She sent me a message wanting to know how to get to the dinner tonight, but I got so busy, I forgot to respond!!!
Yes, I found a flaw to the super team. They had actually forgotten one of their team members! Worse yet, they had just realized it…after being at the appreciation dinner for several hours!
Of course, I took the opportunity to point out the irony of having just praised them for having a healthy team. One of them looked at me and said, “We have no hope of keeping this quiet, do we?”
Umm…no.