1. Vision Sharing – have each person bring a picture or an object to represent his vision – be prepared to share briefly about his vision and next steps in the large group or in small groups depending upon the number of staff. Allow time for praying for one another and giving words of encouragement – be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

2. Outside Relationships – Using a magazine, cut out pictures of various people and post them around the room. Ask each person to select the picture that best illustrates the closest relationship he/has has outside of YWAM and explain why the picture represents them. Explore reasons for having outside relationships – benefits, drawbacks, etc. Write out findings on the board.

3. Relationship to Parents – Lay 6 different colored papers out on a table and have each staff member use a color to describe their relationship with their parents. Dedicate this time for praying for these relationship. Discuss six creative ways for strengthening relationships with parents.

4. Relationship to Family Members – Ask a series of questions to identify the staff with the most siblings, the siblings living the farthest away, the staff with the most nieces, the staff with the most aunties, the staff with living grandparents and great grandparents, the staff with the most in-laws, etc. Be creative and think of more ideas. Give small prizes to those you identify. Later give a quiz to see who can remember details about other staff members! Give a reward. Make this a “Family Night.”

5. Outside Expectations that Put Pressure on Staff – On a large chalkboard write across the top Parents, Family, Pastor, Church, Friends. Ask staff to discuss in small groups the expectations being put on them by each of these groups. After compiling a list for each, representatives from each group write the expectations under each category. After all have written determine together which grouping creates the greatest pressure and how that pressure affects ministry within YWAM and long term calling to missions

6. Spiritual Areas to Improve – In groups of four ask individuals to share the spiritual area he/she would like most to improve in. Provide each person with a blank bookmark to write his name on and the spiritual area for improvement – exchange the bookmark with another in the group and make a commitment to pray for each other over the next four weeks – be accountable. Write words of encouragement on the bookmark and return in one month.

7. Being single – In small same-gender groups ask each person to share at least 4 benefits he/she is experiencing now as a single and his/her 4 greatest struggles. Provide a “celebration cake” for singlehood and pray for each other’s struggles.

8. Vision encouragers – Ask each person to make a list of people who encourage them in their vision in and out of YWAM. In small groups describe how those individuals express their encouragement (prayer, words, gifts, finances, etc.) Ask each group to thank the Lord for these “supporters” he has provided for the YWAM ministry and pray for them. Make a list of 7 creative ways to express thanks to these “supporters.” Compile another list of ways you can express encouragement to other staff.

By Jane and Randy Rhoades