Conflict Transformation Training
The Shalom Collaboratory at Eastern Mennonite Seminary offeres a variety of training programs for theologically informed conflict transformation skills.
In these clinics, workshops, retreats, and webinars, participants learn how to implement an adaptive leadership approach to transform conflicts in the creative spirit of Godly imagination, incorporate strategies for trauma awareness and resilience into their ministry practices, and take up other practical approaches to the troubles our congregations routinely encounter.
Workshops and Day Clinics
The Shalom Collaboratory at EMS occasionally offers half- and full-day training programs in a variety of formats (online, on campus, and hybrid) for congregational, nonprofit, and community leaders in a areas related to conflict transformation, adaptive leadership, restorative practices, and trauma awareness. Each workshop can also be adapted for specific organizational needs and delivered online or on location.
Skilled facilitators not only present theoretical frameworks for understanding conflict but invite experimentation with practices for peacebuilding and conflict transformation and promote spiritual formation for wise, real-time engagement.
Navigating Tough Conversations with Adaptive Leadership Skills
In this clinic, we will envision faith communities as a space for developing a sense of both personal agency and social responsibility—and for promoting these life-giving values even during tough conversations. We will explore ethical and psychological frameworks that can help us understand sometimes hidden sources of conflict and other barriers to agreement and collaborative action. Ultimately, we will experiment with practices for reflecting on our own deep convictions and hidden judgments, managing ourselves to engage diverse perspectives with curiosity, and intervening non-coercively in complex social settings in the hope of making progress together on pressing challenges.
Healing Harm and Repairing Relationships within Churches and Beyond
This workshop serves as an introduction to the promises and challenges of restorative justice in the context of congregational life. Participants in the workshop will be introduced to Restorative Justice theory and practice as well as the theological and biblical roots from which theory and practice have sprouted. Churches can be sites of harm; can a Restorative Justice framework help us imagine repair and accountability in the service of healing?
Becoming Resilient Leaders with Trauma-Aware Practices
This workshop connects with and builds from the renowned STAR training developed by
EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. Participants will examine harmful patterns
of relationships that can develop during rapid transition and community trauma. Then
we will learn to take up faith-based leadership practices that can help us manage
and transform negative patterns. And finally, we will discover ways to build on life-giving
patterns that can emerge during crisis and change. Learn more about our trauma-informed ministry programs.
Leadership Retreats and Custom Trainings
We have worked with a number of churches and denominational organizations across the country to bring conflict transformation trainings to their area. Recent examples include:
- workshops at annual conferences for regional denominational groups (including Episcopal,
Presbyterian, and Mennonite bodies), focusing on forming church leaders to navigate
conflict
- weekend retreats for United Methodist clergy centered on resilience in leadership
and trauma awareness and Mennonite laypersons centered on adaptive leadership skills
- learning series with local churches to build the capacity to engage in tough conversations
together and to expand asset-oriented, collaborative work in the wider community
If you or your organization is interested in custom-designed online or on-location training for organizational leaders, community members, employees or volunteers, please use this form to start the conversation:
Request Custom Training Information
We are happy to collaborate! Unsure of what type of training you might need? We’re ready to listen and help assess your needs based on what we have to offer with no obligation.
