The “Conflict Transformation Skills for Churches” workshop will teach some basic skills to help participants manage conflicts within congregations in a healthier manner. Workshops will be offered Aug. 29 – Sept. 30 at various locations. All workshops begin with registration at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m. The events are open to pastors and laity. Registration is required.
Conflict is a normal part of life, even in the church. Understanding this can help church members realize that it should not be surprising to experience conflict in faith communities. What is important is how conflicts are dealt with.
The goal of the workshop is for participants to gain the understanding and the skills needed to prevent destructive church conflicts, and to see how conflict can be transformed into an opportunity to learn something new about God’s will for a church.
The workshop will explore: Conflict need not be bad, but is an opportunity for growth. Biblical basis for conflict transformation. Individual style of responding to conflict. Communication skills necessary to resolve conflict peacefully. Strategies for preventing destructive conflict in the church family. A model for working at congregational decision making in a win-win manner. Importance of setting boundaries. Resources for churches experiencing severe conflict.
Dates and Locations:
- Sound – Thursday, Aug. 29 – Garber UMC, New Bern
- Harbor – Saturday, Sept. 7 -Whiteville UMC, Whiteville
- Capital – Saturday, Sept. 14 – Millbrook UMC, Raleigh
- Beacon – Tuesday, Sept. 17 – Edenton UMC, Edenton
- Fairway – Tuesday, Sept. 24 – Jonesboro UMC, Sanford
- Gateway – Saturday, Sept. 28 – Haymount UMC, Fayetteville
- Heritage – Monday, Sept. 30 – Nashville UMC, Nashville
Please note that participants do not have to attend the workshop in the pastors’ home district. Attendees are welcome to register and attend the time/place most convenient. It is preferable for all registrants from the same church to attend the same workshop.
This workshop has been approved for 0.6 CEU credit for clergy, and also as the first segment of a 2-part advanced course for Lay Servant Ministries (date and location for second part to be determined).
The workshops will be lead primarily by Rev. David Hollowell, ADS for the Heritage District and recently appointed Director of Conflict Transformation for the NC Conference. Other pastors in our Conference with training and experience in conflict transformation will be assisting. The workshop is designed by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center.
Note: The Corridor District workshop was held earlier this year. Those who missed the workshop in the Corridor District are encouraged to attend in another district.
COST: A cost of $65 per charge covers attendance by the pastor(s), and any laity wishing to attend. Cost also includes 1 workbook (others will be available for purchase for $15 each), a profile for each participant, lunch, and refreshments.
Fill out Registration form and pay online, or mail your check to:
Conference Treasurer – Raleigh Area
PO Box 890202
Charlotte, NC 28289-0202
Checks should be made payable to “NC Conference of The United Methodist Church” and designated “Conflict Transformation Workshop” on the check.