by_lisong24kobe @
1992_dream_team_wallpaper_by_lisong24kobe-d58ja0k
David Gavitt was the President of USA Basketball in 1992. The USA Olympic basketball team had lost to the Soviets in 1988 coming home with a Bronze. Professionals had been allowed to play, but many questions remained. Would they give up two months during their summer when there was no pay for playing? Gavitt wanted to make the team a showcase, a phenomenon that would capture the curiosity of the rest of the world. In short, he wanted to build a “Dream Team.” But, how do you build dream team? For Gavitt it was pretty simple, he had to get the game’s three biggest stars – Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan. Magic was excited and easy to get on board. Bird was at the end of his career experiencing extreme back pain and not able to perform to his desire. Michael was also non-committed. Gavitt, with the help of Magic, convinced Bird to go to Barcelona. Within days, with Magic and Larry on board, Michael joined the team. The team now went from a nice opportunity, to an extreme honor and a hotly, coveted position. The other stars were eager to jump on board to what became known as “The Dream Team” that cruised to the Gold metal and became great ambassadors for the game of basketball (When the Game was Ours, by Larry Bird and Earvin Magic Johnson, p. 260-61).
David Gavitt used a simple principle we as Christian leaders should use more. Christians are like those NBA athletes; they follow those who have influence. This is why leadership is so crucial. Campaign fundraisers use this principle by getting a lead group to announce their pledge amounts as a way of inspiriting others to give. People need to see that the leaders are committed and involved. This story has a couple of lessons for church work. 1) If you are putting together a new ministry and need wide-scale involvement, target a couple of the influencial members. Get their support and commitment before launching the ministry. 2) If you are a preacher, elder, or deacon you need to understand people are watching. Your actions and involvement influence others greatly. The church or ministry will seldom, if ever, rise about the leadership’s level of commitment and energy. Elders take opportunities to publicly support new projects and church ministries. But most importantly, demonstrate your commitment by working hard, being present, and giving generously to the effort. This is one reason, Peter taught elders to be an “example to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3).
We need to harness the power of influence for the good of the Kingdom. If we do, we can build some of our own “dream teams” to be great Ambassadors for Christ.
