Jeff Mingee recently shared with us some insights from his debut book, Called To Cooperate: A Biblical Survey and Application of Teamwork, which tells about the all-important subject of healthy teamwork and community for the advancement of the gospel. His passion for Christ and his emphasis on biblical fidelity shine through as he talks about his new book and shares a few personal thoughts.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a husband and dad and pastor who has been encouraged and strengthened by the investment of countless people.
What in your background helped prepare you to write a book on teamwork?
When I first came on staff at a church I had no clue how to be a good staff team member. I learned a lot of lessons the hard way and was the recipient of a lot of grace those first few years. I found myself searching the Scriptures for input on how to be a good staff member. As a millennial, I expected that the day I showed up I would have a respected voice in major organizational decisions. As a young pastor, I put way too much emphasis on my title. And I learned a lot. When we planted Catalyst all of the sudden I was the leader of the team. This drove me even further into the Scriptures and prayer in hopes of leading the team well and drawing the best out of people.
What inspired you to write a book on the subject of teamwork?
In addition to what I previously mentioned, it was a mix of struggling with current reality and desiring to find the best way.
You say that teamwork can be found throughout all of Scripture. Aside from what we might think we know about teamwork in general and working together to achieve a common goal, what do you hope the readers take away from your book?
There is a great honor in imaging God in our daily interactions on whatever team you serve.
Can you share with readers a time when biblical teamwork impacted your life and helped you grow spiritually?
This morning. It happens every day. I’m reminded every meeting of the wild privilege of working with people.
Why do you think it is so hard for people to embrace the concept of teamwork (as the Bible defines it) and cooperate?
We think it’s easier to do by ourselves. We’re wrong. But we believe that.
How will Christians have a deeper relationship with Jesus as a result of reading your book?
I hope that it will drive them to think deeply about following Jesus in the context of their teams. It will, I hope, cause them to see the eternal weight behind what’s going on in their context.
Who are some influential authors that have shaped the way you view biblical teamwork?
Michael Reeves, J. D. Greear, Tim Keller, and Michael Hyatt.
If you could be any person from church history, who would it be and why?
Well, I don’t know who I would want to be. To have lunch with . . . D. Martyn Lloyd Jones. He felt the weight of the glory of God.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
John Piper, John Bunyan, and Tim Keller.
Are you currently working on any writing projects?
Yes, I’ve got way too many unfinished projects.
What words of encouragement would you like to leave with your readers as it relates to biblical relationships and teamwork?
Whatever you do (including teamwork) do it for the glory of God.
How can readers get in contact with you?
If you’d ever like to connect to talk about the principles outlined in my book, give me a call: 757-812-8951 or write: jwmingee@gmail.com.
