Opening (5 mins):
- Icebreaker question: Tell us about a time you were on a team that was really united and worked well together. What made it work?
- Question: Why is it important for our teams to show unity while celebrating our differences?
Our Value #10: We function in teams in all aspects of ministry and leadership.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
Building “Tribes” Across Cultures (20 mins):
- Talk about what we mean by “tribes”: united teams that go beyond culture
- Look at Bible examples of unity in diversity (like the early Church)
- Question: What makes a team close and able to work well together?
- Let people share from their own cultural backgrounds
- How to build “tribes” across cultures on our teams:
- Shared vision and values, regular team-building, celebrating differences
- Shared vision and values, regular team-building, celebrating differences
Our Value #13: We are dedicated to being relationship-oriented.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3
Working Better Because We’re Different (20 mins):
- Talk about how different backgrounds and points of view help a team
- New ideas, better problem-solving, understanding each other more, etc.
- Question: How can we make a team where every voice is heard and valued?
- Ideas like really listening, holding off on judging, and cultural humility
- Working through the hard parts of diversity, like communication gaps and clashing norms
- Let people share examples from their own cultures
- Let people share examples from their own cultures
Our Value #8: We are international and interdenominational in our global scope.
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” 1 Corinthians 12:4
Break (5 mins)
Having Regular Open Discussions (20 mins):
- Why regular communication keeps a team close and working well
- Question: What cultural habits around how we talk, disagree, etc. do we need to keep in mind?
- How to lead open team discussions where everyone is included:
- Agree on simple ground rules (like one person speaks at a time)
- Make it safe to share different views by really listening
- Talk through issues with curiosity, not judgment
Our Value #18: We communicate with integrity – truthfully and relevantly.
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully…” Ephesians 4:25
Closing (10 mins):
- Question: How can tribal leadership help us do our global mission better?
- Personal commitment: What is one step you will take to build a “tribe” mindset on your team?
- Recap: Unity and diversity working together, open communication, always learning
Our Value #5: We are called to be radical, visionary and committed to continual change.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:19
