“Alright everyone, come on in and listen up. Since we’ve formed a new team, I’ve called everyone together to discuss how this season will unfold. It’s going to be different than what you’ve experienced. Please listen attentively to ensure everyone has a clear understanding of how things are going to go. Teams must be on the same page.
“Foremost, I’m going to make sure the whole team is leaning into our three defined core values. Of specific importance for us is our core value of “Focus on Relationships.” I believe that we will accomplish the most this season by staying true to this tenet. Healthy, collaborative, and supportive relationships with each other are vital to our mission this season. We cannot be an effective team without true, relational teamwork. You need to back your teammates up, know their tendencies, and know their strengths. That’s how everyone achieves more - as a team.
“I’ve discussed with you the position you’ll be playing. I believe you have the individual ability that is necessary for you to succeed in your assigned role. The amount of God-given talent you each have is exciting. But I’ll remind you, we MUST WORK TOGETHER!
“Thank you for taking the risk to join this group. We’re going to face some challenges and tough competition, but with our talents combined, I’m confident we will find success. Now, as I call your name, head out to your position, and let’s get to work.
“Allie, Kristen, and Joel, you’ll be on Field 1. It’s much smaller than regulation, but you’ll need to make it work.
“Drew, Adam, and Alli, you’ll be on Field 4. It’s just around the corner over there.
“Alexis and Rhea! Pay attention. You’re on Field 5.
“All of you fellas - Chris, Matthew, Derrick, Stephen, and Stephen. Field 7.
“Steve and Elijah, you’re good to stay here by the dumpsters.
“Scout. Trot all the way over to Field 11.
“I’ll be right here; all by myself. Pay attention to your phone and email for further instructions and game plans. We’ll plan to come back together on game days.
“I think that about covers it. Now let’s bring it in. 3…2…1… TEAM!
“See you in a few weeks, everyone.”
Inefficient & Ineffective
No coach would want to lead in this way. No team would want to operate in this way. Even still, in 2018, when New Life Ranch purchased the property that is now Frontier Cove, the above scenario (exaggerated-for-effect) became the reality of office life at The Cove. The size and structure of our team immediately meant the existing office building was too small, requiring our full-time staff members to office out of six different locations on the property.
Just like an athletic team not practicing and preparing together, we quickly recognized the inefficiencies and ineffectiveness caused by offices in six buildings. Yes, we would conduct meetings together. Yes, we saw each other occasionally around camp. Yes, we could (and did) make it a point to pop into the other buildings to build a relationship with each other, but even with that, leaning into the New Life Ranch core value of having a “focus on relationships” was difficult at best.
In other words, our staff team was being encouraged to collaborate and consult with each other in ministry, but were physically being kept apart due to facility design. As our Frontier Cove team grew in numbers, this issue became even more pronounced. The talent and character of our people were what held it together.
Under One Roof
All of this contributed to the relief and the rejoicing our team experienced in April when our new office building was officially opened. Over the past year, our construction team has been remodeling the seldom-used 5,000 square foot Visitor Center into a space capable of bringing our team under the same roof after 6+ years of being separate. Additionally, the new office is located at the front of camp, just off the main parking lot, as opposed to the northernmost corner of the property, almost hidden from guests.
We designed the building to have offices surrounding a shared family room with the intent that it will be a draw for people to comfortably connect. For the first time, there is a conference room for meetings, training, and coaching. Guests and delivery drivers instantly thanked us for a space they could find without wandering through the property. The covered porch, rocking chairs, and swinging benches are staff favorites.
The coach in me knew the team wasn’t going to reach our full potential in the former office set-up. The game we play is more important than any sport. Losing a soccer match or softball game is one thing - losing opportunities and effectiveness in our mission to “proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and equip believers for ministry” is another. Our staff feel a deep sense of calling to this task and work diligently to remove barriers to it.
We’re thankful to be playing together on the same field; that’s what a team does.
If you gave to the Generations Campaign, you were part of the team that made a difference in the culture of Frontier Cove. Thank you for being a part of our team.
