The story of Jesus sending out the 72 in Luke 10 offers a powerful model for teamwork in ministry. It reminds us that ministry was never meant to be a solo effort. Jesus sent His followers out in pairs to support each other, multiply their impact, and share the workload. He gave them a clear purpose—heal the sick and proclaim the Kingdom—and reminded them that their true identity was in Him, not in the results they achieved. That same structure still applies today: we’re called to work together, stay focused on the mission, and trust that Jesus goes with us.
Whether you’re leading, serving, or just getting started in ministry, these lessons are essential. Teamwork isn’t just helpful—it’s biblical. And when done right, it strengthens your witness, deepens your impact, and helps you avoid burnout. Keep reading to unpack these insights further and discover how you can apply them in your own ministry starting today.
If you’re involved in any kind of ministry—whether you’re leading a small group, serving in missions, or just trying to share your faith with others—understanding how Jesus operated is crucial. One of the clearest lessons on teamwork comes from Luke 10, where Jesus sends out 72 of His followers ahead of Him.
You might be familiar with the story, but have you ever looked closely at what it teaches about working together in ministry?
Let’s break it down and see what it means for you today.
1. Ministry Is Not a Solo Mission
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.” — Luke 10:1 (NIV)
Jesus didn’t send these 72 out alone. He sent them two by two. That’s the first big takeaway: ministry isn’t a solo act.
Even Jesus, who could’ve done it all Himself, chose to work through others. Why? Because ministry thrives in partnership.
Why “Two by Two” Matters:
- Support in Weakness: When you’re tired, discouraged, or doubting, your partner can hold you up.
- Shared Gifts: One may be great at teaching, the other at hospitality or healing.
- Built-in Accountability: It’s easier to stay on mission and avoid burnout or compromise when you’re not alone.
Takeaway: Don’t try to do everything yourself. Find someone to work with, delegate, and share the burden.
2. Teamwork Multiplies Impact
Let’s look at the numbers. Jesus had 72 people, and He sent them out in pairs. That’s 36 teams going to 36 different places at once.
If He had sent them one at a time, the work would’ve taken much longer. But with 36 teams, the message spread far and fast.
Ministry Is a Multiplication Game:
- 1 team = 1 city impacted
- 36 teams = 36 cities impacted simultaneously
It’s the power of multiplication. When you work as a team and send others out, the gospel spreads wider and faster.
Takeaway: Don’t just add—multiply. Train others, send them out, and let ministry grow beyond what you can do alone.
3. Everyone Has a Role
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” — Luke 10:2 (NIV)
Jesus didn’t just say, “I’ll do it myself.” He saw the size of the task and immediately involved others. And not just the original 12 disciples—72 others. That tells us something huge: ministry is for every believer, not just the “spiritual elite.”
What This Means for You:
- You don’t need a seminary degree to serve.
- You don’t have to be perfect to go.
- You just have to be available.
And once you’re willing, you’re a worker in the harvest field.
Takeaway: Ministry is a team sport. You’ve got a role, even if it’s not up front. Don’t wait for permission—step in.
4. Teams Are Sent With Purpose
Jesus didn’t send them randomly. He gave them clear instructions:
“Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” — Luke 10:9
They had two main tasks:
- Care for people’s needs (heal the sick)
- Proclaim the kingdom (preach the gospel)
And Jesus didn’t sugarcoat the reality. He warned them:
“Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” — Luke 10:3
Ministry is risky. It involves rejection, hardship, and spiritual opposition. But Jesus still sent them. Why? Because the mission mattered.
Your Team Needs Clear Direction:
- Know the why behind what you’re doing.
- Be ready for both spiritual and practical challenges.
- Don’t let fear stop you from obeying.
Takeaway: Purpose fuels perseverance. A team without direction gets distracted. Stay focused on what Jesus actually sent us to do.
5. Celebrate Together, But Stay Grounded
When the 72 came back, they were pumped:
“Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!” — Luke 10:17
They saw God work powerfully through them, and they were excited—and rightly so. But Jesus responded with a gentle reminder:
“Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” — Luke 10:20
In other words, don’t let success define you. Your identity is not in what you do for God, but in who you are to Him.
In Teamwork, Watch Out For:
- Pride: Thinking the power comes from you.
- Comparison: Measuring your success against others.
- Burnout: When your identity is tied to constant results.
Takeaway: Celebrate wins as a team—but remember, the ultimate joy is in your relationship with Jesus, not the results.
6. Jesus Goes With You
One last thing that’s easy to miss: Jesus sent them to places He was about to go.
“…sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.” — Luke 10:1
That means they weren’t going alone. They were preparing the way, but Jesus was coming right behind them.
When you go out in ministry, you’re not alone. Jesus is with you. He’s the one doing the real work—you’re just helping prepare hearts.
This Brings Peace and Confidence:
- You don’t have to force results.
- You’re not responsible for saving people—Jesus is.
- You’re just laying the groundwork for Him to show up.
Takeaway: You’re not carrying the weight alone. Jesus is working through you and right behind you.
Final Thoughts
The sending of the 72 isn’t just a historical event—it’s a blueprint for how we should do ministry today.
Here’s what we learn about teamwork:
- Don’t go alone – find partners in ministry.
- Multiply, don’t just add – train others.
- Everyone has a role – use your gifts.
- Stay focused on the mission – healing and proclaiming.
- Celebrate humbly – your identity is in Christ.
- Trust Jesus to go with you – you’re not in this by yourself.
If you’re trying to serve God—start with the people around you. Build a team. Share the load. Stay mission-focused. And remember: ministry is hard, but it’s never meant to be done alone.
FAQs – What the Sending of the 72 Teaches Us About Teamwork in Ministry
1. What does the sending of the 72 teach us about teamwork in ministry?
It shows that ministry is designed to be a shared mission. Jesus sent the 72 in pairs, proving that support, accountability, and collaboration are essential for effective kingdom work.
2. Why did Jesus send the 72 two by two?
He did it to ensure mutual encouragement, safety, shared responsibility, and spiritual strength. Teamwork helps prevent burnout and strengthens the mission.
3. How does the sending of the 72 model effective ministry today?
It shows us the importance of equipping others, working in teams, being mission-focused, and relying on Jesus for the results. The same principles apply to any ministry effort today.
4. What does “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” mean for ministry teamwork?
It means there’s a lot of work to do, but not enough people doing it. Jesus calls all believers—not just leaders—to get involved and work together to meet the spiritual needs around them.
5. How does teamwork in ministry multiply impact, according to Luke 10?
When Jesus sent 72 people in 36 teams, they could reach more towns faster. Teamwork expands your reach far more than doing it alone.
6. What role does identity play in the teamwork Jesus modeled?
Jesus reminded the 72 not to base their joy on success but on their identity as saved people. This keeps teams humble, focused, and grounded in the gospel, not in results.
7. How should modern ministries apply the sending of the 72?
By building teams, equipping others, giving clear mission goals, and trusting that Jesus is with them. Ministries should also train and send, not just gather.
8. What are the dangers of solo ministry that the sending of the 72 helps avoid?
Solo ministry can lead to pride, burnout, isolation, and imbalance. Working in teams provides spiritual support, shared gifts, and accountability.
9. What does it mean that Jesus sent them where He was about to go?
It means He didn’t send them out alone. He was following behind them. In ministry, we don’t create the results—Jesus does. We just prepare the way.
10. How can I start practicing teamwork in ministry today?
Start by identifying others you can serve with. Build relationships, define your shared mission, and remember—you’re not in this alone. Jesus sent people in pairs for a reason.
