Workshop teaches skills for conflict transformation.

Forty church leaders from seven districts gathered at the Brethren Service Center, New Windsor, Md., on April 23 to attend "Conflict Transformation for Congregational Leaders," a Ministry of Reconciliation workshop co-sponsored by Southern Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic Districts and On Earth Peace (OEP). The goal of the workshop was to broaden leaders' skills and knowledge in the area of reconciliation work.

"When pastors, deacons, and other congregational leaders handle conflict effectively, the whole congregation benefits," explained Annie Clark, OEP's coordinator for conflict transformation. Overall leadership was provided by Angela Lahman-Yoder of the Circle of Peace Church of the Brethren, Glendale, Ariz., along with Bob Gross and Matt Guynn of OEP. Participants spent the morning learning the dynamics of conflict, and transformation in conflict settings. In the afternoon, participants chose one of three tracks to sharpen their reconciliation skills in meeting facilitation, deacon ministry, or pastoral ministry. Participant Earl Fowler of the Drexel Hill (Pa.) Church of the Brethren found the day "enlightening." He stated, "It was interesting and informative to find people approaching conflict in a different manner."

As part of the celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of On Earth Peace, the workshop will be offered at four sites around the country in the next year: June 12 at Bethany Church of the Brethren, New Paris, Ind.; Aug. 14 at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren; Nov. 13 at McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren; and early 2005 in Pacific Southwest District.

Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top