Conflict Resolution and Summary

Contact: Who does the work of Christian Education?

Part 3

IV.  Conflict Resolution

A.  Weigh the seriousness of the matter.

B.  Make appropriate use of time and space.

C.  Guidelines for action:

1.  Look in the mirror; search your heart before proceeding.

2.  Resolve to deal with the issue.

3.  Try to separate the person from the issue.

4.  Preserve the dignity of the other person.

5.  Be sure you know the facts.

6.  Choose your words carefully.

a.  Speak the truth in love.

b.  Aim at restoration and encouragement.

7.  Take appropriate measures appropriately.

a.  Pray before acting.

b.  Seek counsel, if possible.

c.  Consider all the ramifications.

d.  Recheck your motives for action.

e.  Be ready to own your decisions.

8.  Be ready to act boldly as God directs.

9.  Be ready to forgive, receive again, and follow-up.

10.  Be sure to learn through the experience.

Part 4

V.  One Final Word

The importance of the spiritual discipline of listening for the teacher ...

Some Ingredients for Significant Christian Formation in the Church

1.  Attention to all three of the Church's chief tasks: worship, outreach and Christian formation.

2.  Community worship service(s) that is(are) focused on worship of God in Spirit and truth, sensitive to seekers and concerned for Christian Formation.

3.  Some form of community teaching/telling of 'the Story' of God's plan of redemption.

4.  A training of would-be members in the basics of the Christian Way.

5.  Ongoing equipping of parents to do their part in raising their children in the faith.

6.  Consistent, ongoing teaching of all members, regardless of age. This may include a Sunday School format and/or Small Group Bible studies during the week.

7.  Occasional opportunities for extended times of teaching/learning - seminars, retreats, etc., that focus on specific themes, topics or Bible books.

8.  Teaching of appropriate materials to specific groups of people - grouped by age, gender, ministry teams, special needs or interests.

9.  Memorization of Bible portions, creeds, catechisms, hymns and other teaching tools can be encouraged and coupled with appropriate teaching/explanation.

10.  Provision of some form of mentoring or 'discipleship' in a one-on-one or other high accountability situation/Spiritual Direction.

11.  Seizing upon teachable moments for the whole community.

12.  Equipping of members in the areas of their giftedness and other avenues of service through mentoring, workshops, service opportunities and evaluations.

13.  Planned and spontaneous community experiences of genuine fellowship, recreation and work.

14.  Outreach activities of various sorts, including mission trips, accompanied by pre-briefing and debriefing.

15.  Regular invitation of guest preachers/teachers from outside the community to bring perspectives from different cultures and Christian traditions.

16.  Provision for a variety of teaching/learning experiences in a variety of settings-throughout the week and throughout the year.

17.  Timely teaching of individuals, a word according to need.

18.  Ongoing training for those engaged in teaching ministries at any and all levels.

19.  Discipline as needed, biblically practiced, including correction of false teaching.

20.  Reading groups and other kinds of discussion groups.

21.  Development of a resource center of Christian Formation materials available for parents, teachers, and all members.

22.  Nurturing within all members a teachable spirit; challenging each one to continual growth and progress.

23.  Ongoing evaluation of all teaching/learning activities, with particular attention to whether or not life transformation is occurring in individuals, groups and the entire church body.

24.  Training in the area of relationships; for example, marriage and family education.

25.  Intergenerational and coordinated learning experiences.