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
- 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
- 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