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TEAMS AND CHRISTIANS IN A POSTMODERN SOCIETY
Author : Nestor Mangubat
Teams and Christians
Teams are an essential part of organizations, so it is imperative that Christians who are called to business know how to positively contribute to a group or team. This article will examine how Christians perform in secular-minded teams while maintaining their Christian values to influence and exist as an integral part of the team.
The Postmodern View
Postmodernism in general and Christian postmodernism in particular, is not just a set of philosophical beliefs. The varying premise to our changing world has catapulted a postmodern movement of a new breed of Christian thinking. These perspectives of Postmodern Christianity create a substantial divide from traditional Christian thinking.
Team Members and Belief System
Because today’s society is ever-changing as Christians participate in team activities at work, postmodern thinking is silently deducing Christian values. Christians who participate in teams are subject to differing worldviews. Christians have a belief in one Triune God. A Christian team member is bound to follow these words.
Time and again in teams, members make attempts to persuade others. According to Hackman (2002), a good member of a team should take an active, rather than a reactive role (p. 106), therefore, participation and flexibility are positive traits for team members to exemplify. Postmodern Society’s Affect on Teams
Christian beliefs however, are Scripturally based and reflect a belief that mankind was formed in the image of God. This standard of living provides the Christian with a guide for moral living, and a standard of truth.
Postmodern Society’s Affect on Christians
The generally accepted norms of postmodern society are not Biblically based—and neither is there a belief in the Triune God—so how can Christians participate?
Christians are in constant struggle between the Biblical standards and beliefs of their faith and “the cultural forms which exist in a postmodern society that worships idols (money, fame, lust)” (Walsh and Middleton, 1984, p. 155). Christian Behavior in
Team Situations
For Christians working in business teams in a postmodern society, there can be many conflicts when adapting to the team structure. I have overcome the world” (NIV). The responsibility of Christian team members then is twofold—their duty to the team is evident, but first and foremost the Christian has a responsibility to act in a way that reflects the life that Jesus lived.
Christian values are suffocated in teams only if the Christian chooses to hide or shield their light. (NIV)
Author's Resource Box
References
Fisher, R. S. and Martini, P. J. (2004). Inspiring leadership: Character and ethics matter. King of Prussia, PA: Academy Leadership.
Hackman, J. R. (2002). Leading teams: Setting the stage for great performances. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.
The Holy Bible: New International Version. (2001). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Sire, J., (2004). The universe next door: A basic worldview catalog. Downers Grove,
IL: InterVarsity Press.
Smith, R. S. (2005), Truth and the new kind of Christian. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
Walsh, B. J. and Middleton, J. R. (1984). The transforming vision: Shaping a Christian world view. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
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