Session 4: Leadership in Turbulent Times
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PREPARATION
Read Scripture and background information. Reflect on the questions in the participant's book. Review links suggested in the lesson outline below.
Train of Thought
We cannot fulfill the mission of the church in United Methodist congregations by the structural paradigm of the past. The time has come to design new systems for congregational organization that will optimize our potential for ministry and allow us to see new visions. The key to this change is effective spiritual leadership.
Desired Outcomes
As a result of this session, participants should be able to:
- Understand that there are many ways to be effective leaders.
- See leadership as a group process instead of as an individual process.
- Recognize that different situations demand different styles of leadership.
Lesson Supplies
EXPLORATION AT GROUP SESSION
Total time: 50 minutes
Focus participants for this session by lighting the candle and saying "God is present with us, lighting the path for our leadership. This session focuses our attention on Christian spiritual leadership." You might share a few thoughts about leadership from your preparation. Ask people to share insights or questions from their Bible study preparation.
Bible Study Focus Verses: Luke 22:24-38
These verses immediately follow Luke's version of the institution of the Last Supper. The disciples have been puzzled by Jesus' new words in the Passover ritual and by his comment that one of them will betray him. As they wonder together which of them might betray him, the conversation turns to which of them is the greatest. Jesus has been listening to the conversations around the table; he begins to speak about leadership.
Plan the timing of this scripture study carefully; keep a careful balance of reflection time and forward progress to the conclusion.
Ask each person to write these words across the top of a sheet of paper: sounds, smells, sights, touches, and tastes. Then ask each person to choose and assume the role of one of the disciples. You might casually remind them of the names of the disciples (Peter; Andrew; James; John; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James; Simon the Zealot; Judas, son of James; and Judas Iscariot — Luke doesn't say when Judas leaves the group).
From the point of view of one of the disciples, ask participants to listen to the text and to note the sounds, smells, sights, touches, and tastes they perceive in the scene. Read the passage aloud slowly and dramatically while participants make notes. Develop a cumulative but not exhaustive list, adding your own insights about sounds, smells, sights, touches, and tastes.
As the group reviews the list, ask individuals about the reactions from the point of view of the disciples. Ask, "How did you feel from the role of a disciple? What were the fears and concerns around the table? How did you feel toward Jesus? How did you feel about the others around the table?"
Transition to Our Time
Ask participants to name some characteristics of a good leader. (During preparation, participants may have listed characteristics during reflection on page 35 or in response to questions on page 38.) List these on newsprint. Invite pairs to tell each other about someone they have "chosen to follow to a place they would not go alone." Bring the group back together by reminding them that the disciples were Jesus' leadership team. The disciples were the team that Jesus chose to carry on his mission. Point out that the FaithQuest team is comparable to the disciple team. How are the FaithQuest team's feelings similar to those of the disciples? What are the fears and concerns around the table?
Distribute copies of the handout "Leadership in the New Paradigm." Invite people to name how Jesus' disciples reflect characteristics of leaders in a time of change. How do we see these characteristics in ourselves?
DISCOVERY — APPLYING IDEAS TO THE CONGREGATION
Total time: 45 minutes
Discussion Questions (30 minutes)
Reflect on the five essential qualities of leadership that Jesus modeled (outlined on pages 35 and 36 — the five qualities are strong spiritual center, a clear focus, patience, perseverance, and partnership). Invite individuals to consider the evidence of these qualities in their own lives. Suggest they select one quality for personal growth and think of one new practice they can commit to for one week. Ask them to write their personal goal at the top of page 41.
Alternate Discovery Exercise
The questions on leadership qualities in session 4 can be very helpful for some groups. For other groups, these questions might be too abstract or too direct and, therefore, uncomfortable. If this is the case in your group, you might try one of these approaches:
- Select an event or team in your congregation that is highly effective. Explore some of the leadership styles and attitudes that help make that team or event effective.
- Who is the most effective leader whom you have worked with in your experience with the congregation? What made that person effective? What impressed you about his or her leadership style? In what ways was that leadership style encouraged or discouraged?
Understanding that no one person possesses all the qualities of effective leadership is important. Such an understanding moves us away from looking for a leader who will take care of all our needs and problems. Figure 4A on page 39 of the Bible study outlines four roles of leadership. The exercise is not intended to say that these four leadership roles are the only roles of leadership, but to illustrate that there are a variety of roles that require a variety of leaders. Discuss the questions listed on the lower right column of page 38 and page 39.
Feedback & Evaluation (5 minutes)
Conclude the session by asking, "What new insights have you had during this session? How do you feel challenged?"
Sending Forth (10 minutes)
"Jesus Christ maintained a strong spiritual center through his relationship with God. Jesus operated out of a prayer base." (FaithQuest, Session 4, page 35)
Read this statement and invite participants to share the goal for personal growth they wrote on page 41 with one other person. Ask participants to pair up, not with someone in the same household. Invite people to pray for their partner each day until the group meets again. Conclude by praying together the prayer at the beginning of Session 4 (page 33).
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