Building Team Spirit with Christian Tshirt
There is something about being given a group T-shirt that helps to remind the workers on a project – whether they wear it or not - that they are part of a team. The Christian mission field is broad; the workers are still few. At the present time, in this best and worst of all possible worlds, Christian project volunteers are re-building the neglected parts of America house by ramshackle house. In countries far off from the U.S., missions workers are taking medical care and educational materials to people hungry for The Word. Some of these workers are encouraged to wear group T’s that will identify them as a team; others are told simply to wear clothing that is comfortable and versatile, lightweight and easy to pack. Often upon leaving a country, much of what a mission team packed for the trip is left behind for the use of the people in the town where they worked. So what does this mean? Should Christian mission teams and project workers be given team shirts? Yes. Should those T-shirts be in good taste and respectful of the customs of the country in which the evangelistic efforts are taking place? Yes.
Christian T-shirts that emphasize the brotherhood among people, that have short messages that are easily translated and will continue to fit in well in a foreign setting long after the Christian mission team has left are good choices. For teams that don’t want to wear identical shirts while traveling or working in the field, a “Memory” shirt passed out to workers at the project’s conclusion would serve as a gift-reminder of their shared experience. Some teams bypass both field and Memory shirts, opting for Christian T’s that emphasize the planning and preparation phase of the trip. While gathering supplies and packing boxes, when appearing before supportive groups, team members wear identical T’s with a message related to what they see as their trip’s purpose. At these times, their distinctive Christian T-shirts testify to their unity and their determination to work together.
As for the color and design of these “Mission” tees, almost everyone appreciates a variation on a theme. Some church groups request Christian T’s that display the same message, but come in a variety of colors. Some teams ask for bilingual shirts out of respect for the people they are going to serve.
Christian team-building is a complicated process. To be of one spirit about the work to be accomplished should be the goal of all volunteer workers. To be part of a Christian mission or project team is an honor; to support such a team financially, materially, or through diligent prayer is an honor. A Christian T-shirt with the right words and design can function as tangible proof of our willingness to do something rather than nothing. Christian missions have always been a grand undertaking. Even the lowly T-shirt has its place in those efforts.
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