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PREPARATION

Read Scripture and background information. Reflect on the questions in the participant book. Review links suggested in the lesson outline below.

Train of Thought
Church members transformed by the power of the gospel message live a transformed life in the world. These individuals model a different way of being, centered in Christ and committed to learning and service. Congregational leaders create an environment for reaching out and receiving people in the name of Christ, relating them to God, nurturing and strengthening them in their faith, and then sending them out to live transformed lives in the world. This becomes an ever-spiraling system for making disciples and transforming the world into the kingdom of God.

Desired Outcomes
As a result of this session, participants should be able to:

• Identify different leadership styles and understand what each adds to an organization.
• Gain an appreciation for a team-based approach to ministry that is superior to "lone ranger" or top-down approaches.
• Realize that enthusiasm and excitement come from active involvement in the things that matter most to participants.

Lesson Supplies

• Posters
• Candle and matches
• Review links related to leadership and teamwork
• signs and nametags for Bible study (prepared before the group gathers)
• hymnals, or copies of "The Church's One Foundation" (The United Methodist Hymnal, no. 545)

EXPLORATION AT GROUP SESSION
Total time: 50 minutes

Light the candle and invite participants to pray together the prayer on page 75. People come to know God in many ways. Ask participants to share results of their conversations with members of the congregation (see assignment at the end of Session 8). What conclusions can be made about what is significant for people in the congregation? This session will explore leadership requirements of a diverse community and world. Ask for any insights from the Bible study preparation.

Bible Study Focus Verses: Acts 14:1-28
Find a map of Paul's journey and note the relative "locations" of Iconium, Lystra, Derbe (cities of Lyconia); Antioch in Asia; and Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, Attalia, and Antioch in Syria. Post signs around the meeting room for these places.

Make nametags for each person in the FaithQuest group, using the following names (more than one person can have the same group name): Paul, Barnabas, Jews and Greeks in Iconium, Unbelieving Jews of Iconium, Man of Lystra who could not walk, Crowds in Lystra, Jews from Antioch (unbelievers), and Disciples from Antioch. Have people stand at the location they are identified with.

Read Acts 14:1-28 as people act out their parts. Paul and Barnabas start in Iconium. Enjoy this activity with the participants. Aim for the fun of exaggerated drama rather than perfect role-playing. After the reading, have participants return to their seats to discuss the strong feelings aroused by the actions described here.

How did people feel when they heard the proclamation of the gospel by Paul and the others? Ask people who played the parts of the crowds in the reading. Ask the man who was healed. Why did people react so strongly to Paul? There were many reasons for their reactions as Paul introduced new ideas.

Transition to Our Time
This FaithQuest study also introduces new ideas. Talk about responses to "A Reflective Moment Along the Way" questions on page 78. You can also ask these questions:
How will the congregation react as you share these ideas?
What ideas are you sharing from this study?
How might you share the ideas?
How will you respond to the reactions?

Sing or say together the hymn "The Church's One Foundation." How does this hymn guide the church today?

DISCOVERY — APPLYING IDEAS TO THE CONGREGATION
Total time: 45 minutes

Discussion Questions (30 minutes)
Individuals with diverse leadership styles and gifts come together as teams to lead effective congregations. Discuss the questions on page 80. Remind participants that team leadership is the goal of a faith-forming community, but with human beings involved, it is not always apparent. We continue to work toward the goal. Identify the leadership/interaction styles (director, dreamer, pleaser, and thinker) present in your group, and reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of each.

The questions and exercise on page 81 will help further this discussion.

Feedback & Evaluation (5 minutes)
Ask, "What new ideas have you learned in this session? How can our new learnings have an impact on the congregation?"

Sending Forth (10 minutes)
Distribute copies of this litany to close this session.

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