“Lead, Love, and Serve Like Jesus”

coaching lessons
Building
Effective Teams
PHASE 3
the

SERVING
LEADERSHIP JOURNEY www.ReverbNetwork.org
2019-10_A4
 COACHING LESSONS.
Lesson 1 PHASE 3: BUILDING EFFECTIVE TEAMS Team Building

Introduction Suggested Meeting Agenda:

• A team is a group of people working together in a 1. Welcome and prayer
cooperative activity toward a common goal. 2. Updates from group members
3. Review of Phase 3 section/topic
4. Study Coaching Lesson
• Team building is a process that develops cooperation and 5. Feedback from group members
teamwork within a group or work unit. To be an effective 6. Reports on upcoming plans
team builder, a leader needs to activate, train, and lead in a 7. Date/time/place for next session
manner that inspires team members to work together in a 8. Close in prayer.
cooperative way that accomplishes their assigned mission/
purpose.

• Building teams is a critical skill for a leader in that teams are capable of accomplishing
things that no one person could do by themselves. To be effective, a team must be
committed to a common vision and purpose, and be willing to work together for the
purposes of the team rather than for themselves.

Case Study: Jesus as a Team Builder

• Read Mark 2:14-17. Jesus was the greatest team builder of all time. His team—the
disciples— built His church and “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6).

• Jesus demonstrated important principles of team building by selecting Matthew as one of

his disciples. He strategically selected specific people for specific reasons, considering
different skills and abilities. He saw Matthew’s potential to become an apostle and a writer.
Even though the disciples came from different backgrounds and had many different skills
and abilities, Jesus was able to mold them into an effective team that loved and cared for
one another.

Jesus’ Leadership Principles for Effective Team Building

• Have a clear mission and vision (Luke 4:18-19).
• Select team members based on their gifts and skills (Luke 5:9-11).
• Train team members to fulfill their responsibilities (John 17:8).
• Empower and trust team members to perform their duties (Luke 9:1-6).
• Assess/evaluate your team member’s performance and give them feedback (Matt
17:14-21).
• Recognize and reward your team (Mark 10:29-31).

Discussion Questions:
A. Why is team building such an important skill for leaders?
B. What things can a leader do to develop unity within their team?
C. What are some reasons that cause teams to fail or not be successful?

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 Lesson 2 PHASE 3: BUILDING EFFECTIVE TEAMS Dealing with Conflict

Introduction Suggested Meeting Agenda:

• As a leader, you WILL face conflict; it is impossible to avoid. 1. Welcome and prayer
Leaders must be able to resolve conflicts if they are going to 2. Updates from group members
lead effectively. Conflicts can destroy team unity, therefore, 3. Review of Phase 3 section/topic
4. Study Coaching Lesson
they cannot be overlooked or ignored. The question is: “How
5. Feedback from group members
can I best respond to conflicts when they arise?” 6. Reports on upcoming plans
7. Date/time/place for next session
• Types of conflict: (1) Between two or more team members, 8. Close in prayer.
and (2) Between the team leader and a team member. In
one case a leader can act as mediator, in the other, the
leader initiates reconciliation from a serving posture that considers the best interests of the
follower.

Case Study: A Biblical Response to Conflict

• Read Matthew 18:15-17. In this passage, Jesus gave us the process to resolve conflicts.
First, go directly to the person you have a conflict with. If they fail to reconcile, take another
person or two and try again. If they still fail to work through the conflict with you, bring it
before the larger group. Also, consider the value of dealing with conflict immediately. The
longer you wait, the more the conflict will grow and spread throughout the team. Members
may take sides and the issue may escalate. Finally, always seek reconciliation rather than
winning an argument.

• Here is a suggested method for dealing with conflict (Five Stage P-E-A-C-E Process):
(1) Pray about the subject of the conflict.
(2) Explore each other’s positions and listen carefully to all views.
(3) Approach possible solutions together.
(4) Collaboration is better than compromise. Pray about it together.
(5) Expel any resentment you may hold.

• Some tips for resolving conflict:

(1) Show genuine concern and interest for the other person.
(2) Ask questions and get more information about the problem.
(3) Be willing to consider their ideas and concerns.
(4) Ask them for recommendations/alternatives to solve the problem.
(5) Show love and focus on what is best for the team.

• Scripture: Read the following passages and discuss how they relate to resolving conflict.
Leviticus 19:18
Proverbs 10:12
James 1:19
Titus 3:2

Discussion Questions:
A. What are some of the reasons that cause conflicts to arise in a team or within the
church?
B. What is the secret to preventing and resolving conflicts? (See Ephesians 4:1-3)
C. What should we do with people who are divisive and seem to enjoy promoting conflict?
(See Romans 16:17-18)
D. Why is it sometimes necessary to remove a team member who creates conflict and
refuses to change?

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 Lesson 3 PHASE 3: BUILDING EFFECTIVE TEAMS Communicate Effectively

Introduction Suggested Meeting Agenda:

• Your ability to communicate effectively with others is a critical 1. Welcome and prayer
leadership skill. A leader who cannot communicate can never 2. Updates from group members
lead very well or for very long. 3. Review of Phase 3 section/topic
4. Study Coaching Lesson
5. Feedback from group members
• A key principle for becoming an effective communicator: 6. Reports on upcoming plans
“Seek first to understand, then to be understood” (Stephen 7. Date/time/place for next session
Covey, possibly adapted from the prayer of St. Francis of 8. Close in prayer.
Assisi). We win the right to be heard after we’ve effectively
listened and we’re better equipped to respond once we’ve
understood the context and intent of those to whom we’re communicating.

• To have effective communication with others you must not only be able to effectively
“transmit” or give others information, but you also must be willing to listen and “receive”
information and feedback from others.

Case Study: Nathan & David—Example of Effective Communication

• Read 2 Samuel 12:1-25.

• Nathan had a very difficult task. How could he confront David the king without making him
angry, while at the same time helping him see his sin and getting him to repent?

• Nathan’s ability to carefully craft his words in a non-confrontational way enabled David to
hear the truth of his sin and to repent.

• Have you ever had a situation where you needed to confront someone about an issue and
you ended up just making them angry? What was the result? How could you have said
things differently?

• Scripture. Read the following verses and discuss how they apply to effective
communication:
Proverbs 18:13
Proverbs 18:2
Proverbs 12:18
Matthew 15:18
James 1:19

Discussion Questions:
A. Why is listening such an important skill for leaders? How can you become a better
listener?
B. What are some of the best ways you can communicate (both sending and receiving
messages) information with your team? When should it be face to face?
C. What can happen when there is a breakdown in communication between team
members?

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 Lesson 4 PHASE 3: BUILDING EFFECTIVE TEAMS Empowerment

Introduction Suggested Meeting Agenda:

• Empowerment is giving or delegating authority and 1. Welcome and prayer
responsibility for a specific purpose or task to another 2. Updates from group members
person. 3. Review of Phase 3 section/topic
4. Study Coaching Lesson
5. Feedback from group members
• Effective leaders empower their followers. They realize that 6. Reports on upcoming plans
they cannot do the work of ministry by themselves. 7. Date/time/place for next session
Empowering leaders don’t control their team members. 8. Close in prayer.
Instead, they challenge, equip, and release them so that they
can realize their potential for serving God’s purposes.

• When we fail to empower others, the ability of a church or organization to grow and
achieve its mission is limited. Lack of empowerment stifles growth, both of the organization
and of followers who are not able to use their gifts and abilities to serve God.

Case Study: Jesus Empowered His Disciples

• Read Acts 1:8.

• Jesus commissioned his disciples to reach the world with His message. He wanted them to
be successful (see John 14:12) and take what he had started to the next level; many
leaders struggle internally to want this, since it represents a threat to their success or
legacy. Ironically, the empowerment of a leader’s followers can become one’s greatest
legacy. Also note that Jesus then gave them the “power” and “authority” they needed to
succeed.

• We can learn several things from how Jesus empowered the disciples. First, he gave them
what they needed to be successful. He taught them, gave them the opportunity to minister,
released them to serve on their own, and gave them the Holy Spirit to guide and
encourage them. Second, he prepared them very well before empowering them and
sending them out. Failing to train and prepare followers before empowering or delegating
assignments to them only serves to set up our followers for failure.

• Read Ephesians 4:11-13. What does this tell you about equipping, releasing, and
empowering people?

Discussion Questions:
A. Why don’t more leaders empower their followers and delegate responsibility to them?
B. What things can you do to prepare your team members to accomplish an assignment or
task?
C. Why is the empowerment and release of followers important to building and growing
God’s Kingdom?
D. What must you do to empower your followers like Jesus did with his disciples?

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 Lesson 5 PHASE 3: BUILDING EFFECTIVE TEAMS Problem-Solving

Introduction Suggested Meeting Agenda:

• One way that leaders prove that they are able to lead others 1. Welcome and prayer
is by their ability to solve problems. As a leader you will face 2. Updates from group members
problems. They cannot be avoided or pushed off to your 3. Review of Phase 3 section/topic
successor. 4. Study Coaching Lesson
5. Feedback from group members
6. Reports on upcoming plans
• To lead effectively, you must learn the skill of problem- 7. Date/time/place for next session
solving. Leaders who are able to solve problems gain 8. Close in prayer.
credibility and enhance their ability to influence others. Too
often, leaders avoid or ignore problems. This only serves to
make things worse.

Case Study: Nehemiah—A Problem-Solver

• Read Nehemiah 6:1-14.

• Nehemiah demonstrated his capability to solve a problem—one that if not handled properly
could have prevented him from accomplishing his mission to rebuild the walls of
Jerusalem. While the walls were rapidly taking shape, his enemies tried to divert his
attention from the project in a number of ways. First, they tried to lure him out of the city by
repeatedly inviting him to a meeting (vs. 1-4). Next they accused him of trying to lead a
revolt against the king (vs. 5-9). Finally, his enemies tried to intimidate him into violating the
law of God by urging him to seek refuge in the temple (vs. 10-14).

• Nehemiah confronted this problem directly by confronting his enemies while maintaining
his focus on the task of completing the work on rebuilding the walls of the city.
Furthermore, in the middle of all this, he chose to obey God and pray for the wisdom and
strength needed to accomplish his work.

Problem-Solving Process
• Here is a suggested six-step process that you can use to help you solve problems that you
and your team may face. Always begin with prayer before working through these six steps:
(1) Define the problem: gather information about the problem and the factors that may
have caused it.
(2) Determine the underlying causes: analyze the information about the problem to find the
causes.
(3) Develop alternative solutions: look at two or three possible solutions that might solve
the problem.
(4) Analyze and select a solution: compare the possible solutions and select the one that
best solves the problem. The solution should be both feasible and acceptable.
(5) Implement the solution: develop a plan that details the steps needed to solve the
problem.
(6) Finally, evaluate the outcome: make an assessment to see if you have solved the
problem as intended and make adjustments if needed.

Discussion Questions:
A. Why is “defining the problem” the most important step in attempting to solve a problem?
B. Discuss a time when you observed a leader ignore or try to avoid solving a problem.
What was the outcome?
C. Why is it important to first turn to God and pray for wisdom and discernment before
attempting to solve a problem?

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 Lesson 6 PHASE 3: BUILDING EFFECTIVE TEAMS Change and Innovation

Introduction Suggested Meeting Agenda:

• As Christ followers, change is at the very foundation of our 1. Welcome and prayer
lives. It is the most fundamental thing we are asked by God 2. Updates from group members
to do. Jesus said, “You must be born again.” This means we 3. Review of Phase 3 section/topic
4. Study Coaching Lesson
must allow God to change us. Yet, far too many believers are
5. Feedback from group members
reluctant to change. 6. Reports on upcoming plans
7. Date/time/place for next session
• Why is change so often very difficult for many people to 8. Close in prayer.
embrace? In this lesson, you will learn some methods that
will help you understand and make changes in your own life
as well as help you assist others to adopt and embrace change.

Jesus—The Ultimate Change Agent

• Read Mark 2:18-22. It takes a wise leader to recognize when it’s time for change. Jesus
certainly understood the role of change and directly confronted those who stood in the way.

• The Pharisees chided Jesus because he did not force His disciples to fast, as prescribed
by a certain Jewish custom. Jesus told them that He had not come to put a patch on a
broken religious system (vs. 21-22). Rather, He came to change the status quo and bring
about radical change.

Helping Others Adapt to Change

• Read Acts 10:9-32 and 11:1-18. God gave Peter a vision that was aimed at bringing
together Jewish and Gentile believers. Peter accomplished his mission by communicating
what he had seen in a manner that enabled the Jewish believers to understand and accept
this change.

• Here are seven principles leaders can use to help their team/organization adapt to change:
(1) Tell people what to expect and keep them informed throughout the change process.
(2) Structure activities to create opportunities for people to be involved.
(3) People first worry about what they will “lose” so redirect their attention on what will be
gained and show how the gains are greater than the losses.
(4) Establish priorities and implement changes in phases instead of all at one time.
(5) People will be concerned about having enough resources so get them to depend on
God and encourage creative problem-solving.
(6) People will be at different levels of readiness for change so change “easy” things first.
(7) People will tend to revert to the “old ways” of doing things so keep them focused on the
goals and purpose for the change(s).

Discussion Questions:
A. Why does it seem that Christians are often very reluctant to change?
B. What things can be done to help believers accept and understand why change is
necessary if the church is going to impact the community, nation, and world for Christ?
C. Have you ever been in an organization where the leadership attempted to make some
major changes but was unsuccessful or had a difficult time in doing so? Why did this
happen? What could they have done differently?
D. In what ways do you personally sometimes resist change?

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 Lesson 7 PHASE 3: BUILDING EFFECTIVE TEAMS Courage

Introduction Suggested Meeting Agenda:

• Leaders must often make difficult decisions. It is in these 1. Welcome and prayer
times that they need courage. Effective leadership requires 2. Updates from group members
the courage to make tough decisions that may be unpopular 3. Review of Phase 3 section/topic
4. Study Coaching Lesson
or very risky.
5. Feedback from group members
6. Reports on upcoming plans
• When faced with a difficult or risky decision, the godly leader 7. Date/time/place for next session
will look to God for the courage needed to make the right 8. Close in prayer.
decision.

Case Study: Joshua Needed Courage

• Read Joshua 1:1-9.

• God realized Joshua’s need for courage and gave him guidance that would strengthen his
faith. First, God reminded Joshua of His faithfulness to keep His promises (vs. 3-6). Then
God told him to read and meditate on His word (Book of the Law) to obtain wisdom and
encouragement. Finally, God promised Joshua that He would be with him (vs. 9).

• The same sources of courage that God used to empower Joshua to lead the nation of
Israel are available to you today. So “be strong and of good courage,” for God is with you!

Jesus—The Courage to Confront

• Read John 2:13-21.

• In this example, Jesus displayed the courage needed to confront men who were taking
advantage of the poor. Where did He summon such courage? His courage came from His
character and His complete reliance upon the Father. Jesus knew “who he was” and
“whose he was.”

• Many leaders—particularly new and young leaders—often lack the courage to confront a
follower when they see them make a mistake or do something that is wrong or sinful. Like
Jesus, we too must have the courage of our convictions to confront when necessary.

Discussion Questions:
A. Why is “courage” a necessary quality required of all effective leaders?
B. Give an example of a leader you know that exercised great courage in making a decision
that others did not agree with.
C. Read 1 Samuel 17:32-37. Can a leader “learn” through their experiences to be
courageous? Explain.
D. What can happen to an organization when its leaders lack the courage to make
decisions and take risks?

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 Lesson 8 PHASE 3: BUILDING EFFECTIVE TEAMS Developing People

Introduction Suggested Meeting Agenda:

• One of the most important roles that a Christian leader can 1. Welcome and prayer
perform is to develop and equip people to do the work of 2. Updates from group members
ministry. 3. Review of Phase 3 section/topic
4. Study Coaching Lesson
5. Feedback from group members
• Jesus set the standard for us to follow. He spent three years 6. Reports on upcoming plans
teaching, coaching, and equipping His disciples so that they 7. Date/time/place for next session
could carry on His work to build His church. 8. Close in prayer.

How Jesus Developed His Disciples

• Read Luke 6:12-16.

• The manner Jesus used to prepare his disciples for ministry shows us how he effectively
adapted His leadership style and activities to the abilities, knowledge, and skills of His
team–the disciples. He gave them instruction when they were uninformed beginners,
provided them with direction when they were confused, prodded them when they were
reluctant, and encouraged them when they were discouraged. Finally, he empowered them
and commissioned them when they were ready.

• Jesus—the Master Teacher—shows us that effective leadership development is situational

and varies according to the needs of each team member. Leaders who adapt their
leadership style and actions according to the needs of their followers, become serving-
leaders like Jesus. They ultimately serve the vision God gave them by equipping people to
do the work of ministry and carry on long after their own season of leadership is over.

Equipping Others for Ministry

• Make expectations clear and upfront.
• Provide people with the training they need to accomplish the work.
• Observe their work, praising and recognizing them when they do things right. Gently
redirect and correct them when they make mistakes.
• Make sure they have the resources they need to do their job.
• Care for them by investing your time with them, communicating and showing your concern
for them as a team member and friend.

Discussion Questions:
A. What things can a leader do to help a new person become a fully functioning and
capable member of the team? (See Matthew 10:5-10).
B. What should a leader do when a team member makes a mistake or doesn’t do a task
correctly? (See Matthew 17:14-20).
C. What can a leader do to help a team member that is very capable, can do the work, but
is very reluctant to accept new challenges or tasks? (See Matthew 14:22-23).
D. What are some methods you can utilize to develop the leadership skills and abilities of
your team members?

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 Lesson 9 PHASE 3: BUILDING EFFECTIVE TEAMS Rewards

Introduction Suggested Meeting Agenda:

• People are motivated by rewards. God certainly understands 1. Welcome and prayer
this as well, as the Bible is filled with promises of rewards 2. Updates from group members
that God will give those who follow him. 3. Review of Phase 3 section/topic
4. Study Coaching Lesson
5. Feedback from group members
• Effective leaders understand the human need for being 6. Reports on upcoming plans
rewarded and they make use of recognition, compensation, 7. Date/time/place for next session
promotion, and many other methods to lift morale and 8. Close in prayer.
improve performance.

The Faithful will be Rewarded

• Read Hebrews 11:1-40.

• In this chapter, the author highlights the lives and contributions of the great men and
women of faith in the Old Testament and the rewards God gave them because of their
unwavering faith.

• Rewards and recognition given to followers by their leaders can be powerful motivational
tools. They give people added incentive to persevere, to do their best, and to accomplish
the work that has been given to them. Rewarding followers for the good work that they do
tells them that we appreciate them, care for them, and want them to continue to be on our
team.

• It is important for leaders to provide a variety of rewards because people are motivated in
different ways. The leader’s job is to discover which rewards best motivate their people
and use them to encourage them to do their best.

Serving Leaders Reward and Recognize Followers

• Read the following scriptures. What do they tell us about the importance of a leader
rewarding and recognizing others?
1 Kings 9:4-5
Psalm 13:21
Psalm 18:24
Psalm 62:12
Jeremiah 17:10
Matthew 6:1
Matthew 16:27
John 14:1-4
2 Corinthians 5:10
Ephesians 6:7-8

Discussion Questions:
A. What rewards have you received in the past for a job well done? How did they make you
feel?
B. In what ways do you use rewards to encourage and show your appreciation for those on
your team?
C. What does the need for leaders to use rewards tell us about human nature? How can a
leader use this knowledge?

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 Lesson 10 PHASE 3: BUILDING EFFECTIVE TEAMS Managing Stress

Introduction Suggested Meeting Agenda:

• Stress has been defined as “the response our nervous 1. Welcome and prayer
system makes to a perceived or actual threat.” Stress makes 2. Updates from group members
our blood pressure go up and can make us irritable and 3. Review of Phase 3 section/topic
4. Study Coaching Lesson
angry.
5. Feedback from group members
6. Reports on upcoming plans
• Stress is often caused by the pressures of life, some of 7. Date/time/place for next session
which are real and some that are simply perceived. Both can 8. Close in prayer.
produce stress that can damage our health, hurt our
relationships with others, and keep us from being the leaders
God wants us to be.

• Effective leaders who lead, love, and serve like Jesus learn to manage their stress.

How Jesus Handled Stress

• Read Mark 14:32-42 and 1 Peter 2:20-23.

• Jesus faced stressful circumstances on numerous occasions, but all of these were minor in
comparison to the stress he endured from the Garden of Gethsemane to the Cross.

• Jesus’ response to stress serves as an example for us to follow. Jesus turned to the Father
and surrendered everything to him. He did not become angry, nor did He make threats or
retaliate. He simply “entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” May we all learn to follow
this example and model it for those we lead.

Paul’s Advice
• Read Philippians 4:4-9, 12-13.

• In this passage Paul teaches us how we should handle the situations we face that may be
difficult and stressful. We are to be “thankful” in all situations—good or bad—and to turn
them over to God. Paul further tells us to meditate (think about) on those things that are
pure, truthful, noble, lovely, and praiseworthy. The result? God will help us handle all the
stressful situations and difficulties of life.

Discussion Questions:
A. What are some of things that cause stress in your life? What is your typical response to
stress? How could you better manage stress?
B. Why is a strong prayer life a requirement if we are going to effectively deal with stressful
situations that we may face?
C. Why is it important for Christian leaders to model for their followers the ability to manage
stress?
D. Often stress can lead to “burn-out” in which a person is no longer enthusiastic, joyful, or
motivated by their work or service. Why does this happen to Christians, causing them to
no longer want to serve? How can you help prevent “burn-out” on your team?

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