'..Thousands and Millions..'

Europe have completed a hat-trick of Ryder Cup victories over the USA. They won emphatically by 18.5 pts to 9.5pts. The USA team have the top three players in the world in their team, including the world's best Tiger Woods. However, when it comes to working and playing as a team, the European team have overcome the USA big individuals and won some famous victories.

It was particularly great to see how the European team supported and rallied round one of their team mates Darren Clarke. His wife Heather died 3 weeks ago, aged 39 from Cancer. A tragic and sad loss, but one that Darren Clarke was able to handle and use to inspire him to victory as he played as part of a team of close friends. The Ryder Cup was won by a team that expressed friendship and community, a team that stood together, even in the most difficult circumstances.

As a Christian, I love seeing teams do well - It's amazing to see as they stand together, laugh together, cry together and pursue a common goal with passion and zeal. There is no greater goal and joy than being part of God's dream team, His church, in pursuing the purposes and plans of God.

I love being part of the team of leaders in the church here in Manchester. I love being joined with a family of faith that is passionate about Making Jesus Famous. I love that I can cry, laugh and work together with God's people in the city and generation that I live in.

I'm so glad that Christianity was never destined to be about individuals or go it alone superstars, its all about being a team that has the common goal and vision of proclaiming and demonstrating Christ to this world.

'There should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it'
1 Corinthians 12:25-27