Reconciliation is the mission of the Church; and reconciliation is not the absence of conflict but rather the navigation of it. When approached with skill and grounded in Christ’s love, conflict is a healthy process through which we fully encounter our neighbor, we learn about ourselves, and ultimately leads to unity amidst difference. In this …
View course details “Navigating Conflict: Speaking the Truth in Love”

This workshop, uses the two lenses of conflict drivers and conflict paradoxes, and considers seemingly intractable conflicts and their transformation.  Questions for consideration include the nature of intractability, de-escalation strategies, transforming intractable conflicts and engaging emotions. This workshop builds on Understanding Conflict: Foundations. It is highly interactive, insightful, engaging and critical for all those who wish to …
View course details “Understanding Conflict – Advanced”

This workshop, uses the two lenses of conflict drivers and conflict paradoxes, and considers seemingly intractable conflicts and their transformation.  Questions for consideration include the nature of intractability, de-escalation strategies, transforming intractable conflicts and engaging emotions. This workshop builds on Understanding Conflict: Foundations. It is highly interactive, insightful, engaging and critical for all those who wish to …
View course details “Understanding Conflict – Advanced”

Conflict in congregational life is unique – it mixes organizational dynamics with personality, family history, conflict, theology and of course, faith. This combination creates both challenges and possibilities. This workshop provides church leaders with an opportunity to consider their role as leaders in this dynamic environment, providing practical tools and processes for engaging churches experiencing conflict, transforming tough situations into …
View course details “Leading the Church Through Times of Conflict”

Longtime activist, author, and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Rev. John Dear, will walk us through the Synoptic Gospels pointing out Jesus’ practice and teachings of nonviolence and invite us to become practitioners of creative nonviolence, based on his new commentary, “The Gospel of Peace.” We will reflect on Matthew, with the Sermon on the Mount …
View course details “The Gospel of Peace: Reading Matthew, Mark & Luke from the Perspective of Nonviolence”

Martin Luther University College and the Institute for Christian Studies will present the conference, “Beyond Culture Wars: Fostering Solidarity in an Age of Polarization.” Hosted at the campus of Martin Luther University College (Wilfrid Laurier University), this event will be an education and discussion forum for faith communities, and for the larger public, to counter …
View course details “Beyond Culture Wars Fostering Solidarity in an Age of Polarization Conference”

f conflicts in your community, family or organization, concern you – this program can provide you with new skills to transform conflicts. “Participants who had said they would never work together were reconciled to working together for the good of the community. Old perceptions, rivalries, barriers, prejudices and even the sense of hopelessness were set …
View course details “Dialogue for Peaceful Change (DPC)”

Our current culture is fraught with conflict and tension. People often describe “walking on eggshells” or the inability to hold a respectful conversation with others. Disputes arise within communities, the workplace, families and far too often within our church congregations. Situations seem insurmountable and people become intractable. The focus of this class is to prepare …
View course details “Conflict Resolution Jesus Style”

Groups develop ministry skills and earn micro-credentials through a 24-week online certificate program that combines group engagement with guidance from trained facilitators. Perfect for ministry teams, church groups, and non-profit team members! Available Tracks: Essentials for Biblical Interpretation Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation Essentials for Youth Ministry Trauma Care and Healing Social Justice and Community Engagement …
View course details “Foundations in Faith & Leadership: A cohort-based online certificate program”

This 7-week online certificate is an introduction to peace and conflict while examining the nature, effectiveness, and challenges of grassroots peacebuilding. Grassroots Peacebuilding focuses on the theory, models, and frameworks relevant to peacebuilding and conflict resolution which may be applied in post-conflict situations, humanitarian emergencies, and long- term peacebuilding and reconciliation initiatives. The course uses …
View course details “Grassroots Peacebuilding-ONLINE”