The viral Coldplay Kiss Cam moment that has been trending recently has shed light on a few things, including the ways in which teams function in the workplace.
The Kiss Cam would lead you to believe that workplace teams that are well-connected are likely to lead to romantic relationships. The phrase ‘work-spouse’ can get bandied about as though it’s something humorous. Yet there’s nothing humorous about broken lives.
And the reality is, it’s actually very possible to have strong workplace teams in which nothing like the behaviour of the Kiss Cam couple is happening at all.
As a leader in my workplace, I’ve been prompted by this debacle to reflect on how well I am working with the teams for which I have oversight.
And whether it’s in the workplace or the church, I think it’s important to reflect on how do we as leaders manage our teams well.
Romans 16 is a great biblical example of teamwork. For me, it reads like Avengers: Endgame with the whole team coming together to save the planet.
It’s an ensemble cast.
There’s Priscilla and Aquila who really do sound like they’re part of the Avengers franchise. Paul writes:
Greet Priscilla and Aquila my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
Then there’s Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia…
An identity that should bring great joy and encouragement.
Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ…
Timothy, my fellow worker…
It’s likely that only few, including Paul would know the true weight of their work and action.
Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my relatives…
Sometimes gospel teams look like a family business.
I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter…
Where would Paul be without someone to write down his messages?
Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works…
Someone knee-deep in the daily life of the city with considerable civic responsibility[1].
All play a critical role.
Strong teams function when we let people play to their strengths. We step back out of the way and let people play the part they have to offer.
Part of being a leader in the workplace is knowing when its time to take a backseat and let someone more junior step into the breach.
Sure, they’ll need your mentoring along the way, because you are well ahead on the journey. But navigating the lean in and lean out of that space – knowing when it’s their time for action and your time for reflective training of them – is part of your role as a leader.
However, unlike the Avengers franchise might suggest, the power of the team doesn’t reside with any human being.
Not one person. Not all powers combined. But God.
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Good teamwork actually glorifies God.
In the church we should be prayerful about who we put on teams and what roles we give them. God knows who is best suited to each role and if we listen to Him we might just find we get maximum impact.
Not because of who we are, but because of who He is.
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Yours in the team,
Alison
[1] Roger Combes in Daily Bread, Scripture Union 2025