Lesson 3: Practicing Tribal Leadership at YWAM (Discussion Guide)

Opening (5 mins):

• Icebreaker question: Share an experience where you were part of a highly unified and collaborative team. What made that team dynamic successful?
• Question: Why is it important for teams at YWAM to model unity while celebrating diversity?
  

YWAM 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

Forming Cohesive Cross-Cultural “Tribes” (20 mins):

• Discuss the concept of “tribes” in a YWAM context – unified teams that transcend cultural boundaries
  
  • Explore biblical examples of unity in diversity (e.g., the early Church)
• Question: What qualities or characteristics define a cohesive, synergistic team?
  
  • Allow participants to share perspectives from their cultural backgrounds
• Strategies for building cross-cultural “tribes” within YWAM teams:
  
  • Shared vision and values, regular team-building, celebrating differences
    

YWAM 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

Leveraging Diversity for Richer Collaboration (20 mins):

• Discuss the benefits of diverse perspectives and backgrounds in team settings
  
  • Examples of innovation, problem-solving, deeper understanding, etc.
• Question: How can we create an environment where all voices and viewpoints are valued?
  
  • Explore strategies like active listening, suspending judgment, cultural humility
• Navigating challenges of diversity like communication barriers, conflicting norms, etc.
  
  • Allow participants to share examples from their cultural contexts
    

YWAM 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)

Implementing Regular Open Discussions (20 mins):

• Importance of consistent communication for cohesive, high-performing teams
• Question: What cultural norms around communication styles, disagreement, etc. do we need to consider?
• Strategies for facilitating open, inclusive team discussions:
  
  • Establishing shared discussion guidelines/norms (e.g., one person speaks at a time)
  • Creating safe spaces for diverse perspectives through active listening
  • Discussing issues through curiosity and understanding, not judgment
    

YWAM 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 practicing tribal leadership make YWAM more effective in our global mission?
• Personal commitment: What is one step you will take to cultivate a collaborative “tribe” mindset?
• Recap key principles: Synergy through unity and diversity, open communication, lifelong learning
  

YWAM 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