Constructive Responses to Conflict at Convention 2011

Trainers
Ron & Roxanne Claassen

Mediation Training: constructive convention conversation

Come early to convention to learn skills helpful in your congregation. This six-hour training, based on Agreeing and Disagreeing in Love, will prepare participants to understand conflict in church settings, be a non-anxious presence, listen better and mediate. Pairs of mediators will be on duty during convention to help us talk through conflicts with each other. July 4: 9:00 - 4:00. Youth to adult; beginning to skilled mediators; limited to 30 participants. Trainers: Ron and Roxanne Claassen
Cost: $25.

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Goal: Train 30 mediators, who will have daily shifts, wear green armbands and are recognized by Convention 2011 staff and participants as having skills and authority to intervene in conflicts.
Time: Monday, July 4, 9:00-4:00
Location: Westin
Cost: $25 (meals, snacks on your own)

Objectives of training:

Using Agreeing and Disagreeing in Love, teach the biblical basis for constructive discussion.
Prepare people to understand that conflict can be part of church interactions. People can be in conflict and be in loving relationships.
Prepare people to be a non-anxious presence in the midst of conflict and to see the potential good in constructively addressing conflict.
Prepare people to be listeners and coaches or process guides for individuals or groups experiencing conflict.
Prepare people to be mediators and/or to recognize when mediation would be helpful and know how to invite people to consider mediation as a way to work constructively with conflicts.
Prepare people to access additional help when needed.

Training (6 hours):

Participants receive a 20-page booklet, process cards and speaking/listening guides.
Bible Study integrated throughout the training.
Understanding conflict and the dynamics of conflict
Understanding restorative justice and an unconditional commitment to be constructive
Understanding power and options for using power with rather than power over
- Skill Development
- Listening Actively
- Speaking Assertively
Crafting agreements and follow-up processes
Strategies for Transforming Conflict
A peacemaking strategy for addressing hurts/violation/injustices
- Recognize Injustice, Restore Equity, Clarify Future Intentions
A problem solving strategy for addressing differences
- Identify positions and underlying interests, generate options to address interests

Registration: