Change & Conflict in Your Congregation (Even if You Hate Both)

Based on the book of the same title, this workshop offers a way to see conflict and change in congregations as natural and normal. Indeed, what if conflict was a sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit? And what if conflict is an important part of the process of the church being church? What if conflict is the inevitable part of becoming a more justice-seeking church? And what if change were understood as truly the nature of the church? Yes, there are those who behave very badly, but we don’t have to accept bad behavior. We can draw boundaries that are healthy and move congregations forward in following the call of the Spirit to a new and perhaps, different mission. And we can use conflict to help us manage the change necessary for renewing the congregation. This course is designed to be participant-centered where participants work with each other and the facilitator on strategies based on the material presented. Ordained and lay leaders are encouraged to participate, as are teams from a congregation. Each participant will be asked to prepare a brief case study to work on over the course of the week. Information on how to prepare the case study, as well as a series of short articles will be provided prior to the course. Each participant will receive a copy of the facilitator’s book.