Reconciliation in Christ
Programs
Services
Our Reconciliation in Christ programs and services provide practical tools and approaches for conflict resolution centered in Christ, the One who reconciles us to one another and re-establishes authentic Christian community.
Programs
Conflict and Reconciliation Workshop
Conflict arises in every area of our daily lives. This interactive workshop examines conflict from new angles grounded in Christ's work of reconciliation. Incorporating Biblical and practical insights, the workshop examines how disputes form in our day-to-day interactions and provides tools for understanding and working through conflict together. Recognizing Christ at the center of all our relationships, the aim of this workshop is to offer Scriptural wisdom and practical tools that nurture authentic dialogue and support Christians in navigating challenging conflict situations.
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This workshop is generally provided to congregations, church leaders, and governing bodies upon request. It can be tailored to the needs of a particular group. On occasion, ICSM also offers a version of this workshop that is open to individual registration.
What We’ll Explore:
- Understanding Conflict: Gain insights into how and why conflicts arise and learn to recognize the underlying factors that contribute to tensions and disputes.
- Practical Tools: Learn insight tools and proven approaches for addressing disputes, communicating effectively, and working together to resolve conflict situations.
- Christ at the Center: Discover how Christ's reconciling work transforms relationships, offering a foundation for resolution, healing, and renewal.
Upon request, the workshop can also add a segment on effectively providing and receiving feedback. Although feedback is often heard as criticism, truly authentic feedback can create a context for effective communication that reduces conflict and provides opportunities for collaboration.
Depending on tailoring and the needs of the group, this workshop runs 5-8 hours in length (exclusive of meal breaks). The workshop can be provided in one day or covered in two consecutive days.
Whether you’re addressing a specific conflict or simply seeking to develop skills for conflict resolution, this workshop provides fresh insights and approaches for fostering peace and reconciliation in the Body of Christ.
Services
Mediation
ICSM provides facilitated continuing relationship mediation for disputes within churches, parishes, governing bodies, and other Christian groups. ICSM uses an innovative, Christ-centered process that it has developed and refined over more than 15 years of assisting Christians experiencing conflict. Relying on the work of the Spirit, the aim of continuing relationship mediation is for the parties in conflict to refocus on Christ, learn new tools for working through disputes, engage in authentic dialogue, and seek concrete, collaborative solutions together.
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Continuing relationship mediation is appropriate for conflicts among staff members, congregations, church leaders, committees, governing bodies, and other church groups who desire to resolve the issues in dispute and move forward together.
Groups can jointly request a mediation or one party or a governing body can ask ICSM for assistance in starting the process. Mediation is particularly effective when initiated early in a conflict, before tensions escalate.
ICSM Certified Mediation Facilitators complete a rigorous training process and meet initial and annual ICSM certification standards and requirements. ICSM Facilitators work in teams of two on each mediation.
Participation in mediation is always voluntary. ICSM Facilitators work with the mediation participants to establish confidentiality and other ground rules for mediation conferences as part of the process.
Because ICSM's mediation approach looks to Christ at the center of all our relationships, we do not believe effective conflict resolution involves imposed Biblical rules, emotional manipulation, or fostering shame. Rather, utilizing a tailored, multi-phased approach, ICSM seeks to participate with Christ in helping Christians learn new ways of interacting, engage in direct dialogue and collaboration, and be reconciled to one another in Christ.
Conflict Resolution Program Design and Support
ICSM works with governing bodies and denominations to design conflict resolution programs tailored to their specific needs and polity. ICSM also provides continuing support and training for dispute resolution programs administered by governing bodies and denominations.
Interested governing bodies and denominations are invited to contact ICSM for more information.
