Larry Kreider and Merle Shenk on Team Building: The Wall and Scaffolding Principle

Navigating team building is an inevitable part of the leadership journey, and every leader will encounter rejection from people leaving their teams. In this episode, Larry Kreider and Merle Shenk explore the leadership principle of the Wall and Scaffolding. They discuss how receiving a vision from God and building a team does not mean everyone on the team is called long-term. Drawing from their own experiences, Larry and Merle share how some people are there to help you start, some people are there to help you build, and some people are there to be part of the wall.

Highlights:

• 1 Peter 2:5 
• When people move on, it can be challenging not to take it personally. However, it's important to remember the fact that our security comes from knowing who we are in Christ.
• When building teams, it is healthy to build in evaluations as part of your team development.
• We all have blind spots. It is helpful to ask your team, “What can I do better? How can I be a better leader?” 
• Scaffolding is not meant to be permanent; it serves its purpose and then moves on. Our desire is for everyone to be positioned where God has called them in His Kingdom.
• There is such power in affirmation and encouragement. So even when people move on, it is important that we affirm them, bless them, and remember that we are Kingdom people.

Related Resources:

• Passing the 21 Tests of Leadership by Larry Kreider
• Straight Talk to Leaders by Larry Kreider, Lester Zimmerman, Sam Smucker, and Barry Wissler
• The Biblical Role of Elders in Today’s Church by Larry Kreider, Ron Myer, Steve Prokopchak, and Brian Sauder 
• Great Grace: Walking in the Power of God's Abundant Supply by Merle Shenk
• DOVE International

For more information about Larry Kreider, his books, daily devotionals, small-group resources, or other teachings, visit larrykreider.com.