I can’t recall meeting someone who dreamed of growing up to be vice president. Our culture places a lot of emphasis on being the lead. This happens in both the workplace and the church and can position us for disappointment when expectations are unmet.

One of the greatest leadership lessons I have learned came from one of my first mentors in ministry. In my late teens and early 20s, I learned from him the discipline of being a good sidekick. It was in those years that I recognized real influence has more to do with who you are than the title you carry. Since then, I’ve come to appreciate the value of how God often calls people to serve on teams without necessarily calling them to be the leader.

Biblical leaders like Jonathan, Mary, Martha and Timothy all had tremendous influence while predominantly serving other leaders (1 Samuel 18:1-5; Luke 10:38-42; John 12:1-3; Philippians 2:19-24). Here are four practical ways to influence a team who God has called you to support rather than lead:

1. Be the first to take responsibility and the last to take credit. One of the best ways to influence a team and bring value to it is by remaining open to responsibility. When you are open to responsibility, people notice. By taking initiative to identify and meet felt needs for your leader, you can address noncritical issues that might otherwise monopolize attention and sidetrack the team. This will allow your team more time to focus on mission-critical needs.

I deliberately close meetings with a team leader by asking, “What can I do to serve you?” I admire leaders like Martha and Mary who were simply available during times of need (Luke 10:38). These two leaders played a tremendous role in the demanding itinerant ministry of Jesus through their willingness to serve in unforgettable ways (John 12:2-3).

One of the lessons I learn from Martha is that being effective isn’t the same as taking responsibility for every need; rather, it’s recognizing what needs to prioritize (Luke 10:41-42). When working on a team, it’s natural to want affirmation for a job well done. However, let credit find you; don’t make it a habit of looking for it. Regularly looking for accolades can create unhealthy motives and ultimately falls short of God’s affirmation (Galatians 1:10).

2. Give honest feedback to the right people. Giving honest feedback is crucial in helping a team function at its best. The Bible places a high value on good counsel (Proverbs 11:14; 20:18). On the flip side, a lack of honest feedback under certain circumstances can have devastating spiritual consequences (Jeremiah 6:14). Biblical counsel often came from someone other than the central leader and helped illuminate blind spots in decision making.

I deliberately close meetings with a team leader by asking, “What can I do to serve you?”

It’s worth noting that sometimes honest feedback goes to the wrong people. Honest feedback to the wrong person is little more than grumbling and gossip. A good leader will welcome your feedback when it is sincere and respectful. However, recognize that when serving on a team, your feedback isn’t the final authority.

Occasionally, teammates will take it personally when no one implements their feedback. Good counsel doesn’t always need to affect the decision directly; it only needs to inform it.

3. Cultivate trust, loyalty and excellence among your teammates. Even the best ministry teams can have moments of tension and distrust (Acts 15:36-41). Team members with gifts in cultivating trust, loyalty and excellence are exceptionally influential. Teams that lack these qualities make decisions out of fear rather than missional calling and can eventually implode.

A big part of trust is simply having follow-through on your responsibilities. A leader should never wonder whether you will get your job done. Trust allowed Paul to send Timothy to minister on his behalf without doubt or hesitation (1 Corinthians 4:16-17). For me, loyalty means a team knows they can trust me to have their best interest in mind when making decisions without them.

Loyalty brings to mind figures like Jonathan, who sacrificially devoted himself to the well-being of David in spite of how it seemingly compromised his future opportunities for kingship (1 Samuel 20:1-42). Biblical loyalty embraces the calling to serve others and strengthens all involved.

Finally, excellence comes from doing everything as if it were an act of worship (Colossians 3:23-24). This touches everything you do, not just the things others see. Consistently nurturing trust, loyalty and excellence influences the culture of a team and establishes a strong foundation for ministry.

4. Strategically devote yourself to prayer. I honestly believe my most influential moments serving a team have been in prayer. At key moments in biblical history, you find leaders in prayer (2 Kings 19:14-19; Daniel 6:10-11; Matthew 26:36-56; Luke 2:36-38). Praying for your team is essential in being a positive influence. Make it a point to pray privately for your leader and teammates on a regular basis.

My wife taught me to take time to write out prayers for initiatives that I am working on — seeking God for everything from wisdom in my decision making to favor in meeting budgets and deadlines. When I feel unproductive, I even pray about what Jesus would have me work on throughout the day. As a Spirit-led leader, I trust the Holy Spirit to show me how best to serve my team and steward my efforts.

Through prayer, we make the right decisions for the right reasons rather than what is most pragmatic or best for us. Since God knows the spiritual topography ahead of your team better than anyone, teammates are most effective when they prioritize prayer.

Initiative, character, honesty, trust and prayer are key factors that positively influence a team. The most effective ways to influence a team boil down to earnestly seeking the success of the people around you more than your own. Over time, these tested and trusted teammates will go on to make influential leaders themselves.

Until then, don’t miss out on the purpose God has called you to in serving the team He has placed you on.