Network Idea: Speaking Well of Each Other

Networks are built on trust. In the body of Christ, the greater we build our trust the more we collaborate. However, in our divisive society it is so easy to destroy another with our words or actions. In this discussion take the time to pray together about how you may build each other up rather than tear one another down. And feel free to use the activity and questions below to discuss how your network can "Speak well of each other."

Activity: "Give Grace"

Plan ahead to do a virtual or in-person gifting. Give a small gift to each person in your network. It could be a book or gift card or anything you would like. ("Rooting for Rivals" by Peter Greer and Chris Horst is free on Kindle with an Amazon prime account, or $4.50 for a paperback.) Share with leaders how valuable they are to you and that you want to give back to them what they have given to you.

As an alternative you could ask the question: "What is the best gift you received in your role of being a youth leader?" Afterwards read Eph. 4:29 and then answer the question, "How do you give grace to all who hear you according to their needs?"

Discussion Questions

Share with the group about how important it is for leaders to speak well of other leaders. Pick two or three of the following questions as fits your group.

1. Read Gal. 5:13-15 - Why is it so important to resist the urge to speak poorly of other leaders?

2. Read Matt 7:1-5 - How do you handle it when someone speaks ill of you?

3. How do we rebuild trust in strained relationships as leaders?

4. How do you deal with a divisive person and still speak well of them?

5. What steps do you need to take to speak well of other leaders you know?

Group Application

What is one thing your network will intentionally do together that will help us speak well of each other?

Prayer

Ask if there are any situations that you need to rebuild trust. Take some time to pray for one another's needs individually or as small groups.

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Kevin Boer is the Utah State Coordinator for NNYM and also leads the charge in Network Coaching! The above resource comes from a discussion for NNYM network coordinators. If you are a coordinator, watch your email for an invitation to Network Discussions. If you are a coordinator and do not recieve our monthly emails, let us know!