Conflict is a normal part of life, even in the church. Bishop Ward talks about the Conflict Transformation Team and the upcoming district workshops in this video.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. In the very center of our life in Christ’s ministry is the role of peacemaking, of transforming conflict. We the North Carolina Conference now have a Conflict Transformation team of leaders who have received training, and who are ready to pass insight and wisdom on to you as you serve as a leader in your church, your district, and in the Annual Conference.
Workshops will be held in each of the 8 districts and I hope you will check the website and register for a workshop near you.
Notice that the term is conflict transformation, not conflict resolution. The reality is conflict is an ongoing reality in our lives, because we as individuals bring to conversations, to community, and to our life a unique point of view. It’s essential that Christians learn to listen well, and to honor the viewpoints of others.
The work of the Conflict Transformation team is first, to help your congregation be a healthy place. In healthy congregations, varying points of view can be shared and received. In healthy congregations, we can work through conflict in a way that is life giving and not stifling. In healthy congregations, we are prepared and we know that conflict is inevitable. The Conflict Transformation team is also available to help you if there is some conflict in the life of your church that is causing difficulty beyond your capacity to respond.
In these ways, we seek to be Christ’s peacemakers. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Grace and peace, Christ’s peace to you as you engage this good opportunity.