Conflict Transformation Trainings and Workshops

In recent years, many congregational leaders have faced mounting tension and deepening division within their congregations, not to mention their wider communities. This has pastors and laypersons alike asking how exactly to lead in such a time as this. Responding to this sense of need, Eastern Mennonite Seminary is developing new training programs for theologically informed conflict transformation skills.

Participants will 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 congregational practices, or take up other practical approaches to the troubles our congregations now routinely encounter. These workshops will build upon the historic Anabaptist witness to the peacemaking way of Jesus and draw on theories and practical wisdom developed in EMU’s world-renowned Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP). Skilled facilitators will 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.

Find information below on what trainings are coming up soon. These programs will be offered in accessible, compact formats—like half-day and one-day workshops—delivered both in person and online. And we are inviting inquiries for custom and on-location trainings.

2023-2024 offerings coming soon!

Past On-Campus Workshops
Summer 2023:

In conjunction with the CJP’s 2023 Summer Peacebuilding Institute (SPI), the seminary will host a series of full-day trainings geared toward pastors and lay leaders:
- Saturday, May 13: Healing Harm and Repairing Relationships within Churches and Beyond
- Saturday, May 20: Becoming Resilient Leaders with Trauma-Aware Practices
- Saturday, June 3: Navigating Tough Conversations with Adaptive Leadership Skills
These non-credit workshops are offered in person at Eastern Mennonite Seminary’s Harrisonburg, VA, campus during 7-8-hour windows. Participants are expected to read messages from facilitators in advance of the on-campus workshop, engage any suggested readings or other preparatory work, and attend the full-day sessions ready to contribute to a learning environment with others striving to create a peaceful, just, and inclusive world.

You won’t receive a grade, but readings, discussion, and activities are comparable to college-level work, and facilitators assume you have critical thinking skills and some previous academic study.

EMS staff will not provide transportation, lodging, or visa services. Participants are responsible for managing these services.
Past Online Workshops
Summer 2023:

In conjunction with the CJP’s 2023 Summer Peacebuilding Institute (SPI), the seminary will host a series half-day online workshops geared toward pastors and lay leaders:
- Tuesday May 16: Healing Harm and Repairing Relationships within Churches and Beyond
- Thursday, May 18: Becoming Resilient Leaders with Trauma-Aware Practices
- Tuesday, June 6: Navigating Tough Conversations with Adaptive Leadership Skills
These non-credit workshops are offered via Zoom video conferencing software during 3-4-hour windows on designated weekdays. Participants are expected to read messages from facilitators in advance of the workshop, engage any suggested readings or other preparatory work, and attend the synchronous online sessions ready to contribute to a virtual learning environment with others striving to create a peaceful, just, and inclusive world.

You won’t receive a grade, but readings, discussion, and activities are comparable to college-level work, and facilitators assume you have critical thinking skills and some previous academic study. Connecting to an online training requires a computer or tablet with reliable, high-speed internet access. Our training works best when the participant wears a headset. This is not mandatory, but doing so helps to eliminate feedback and distortions.

Custom and On-Location Trainings

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.