The three part “Building the Body” series is designed to provide congregations with a healthy perspective on conflict and difference in the church.  It presumes that conflict is both natural and normal for church congregations and that there are ways to approach conflict that can transform it into a positive experience.


Edgehill Theological College’s Reconciliation Programme offers a three part workshop “Building the Body” for congregations interested in gaining an insight into difference in the church and how conflict can contribute to growing together and building the body of Christ.  

Like the rest of life, church contains conflict and for many this can be terrifying.  Church is made up of multiple voices offering various opinions on everything from what songs to sing on a Sunday morning to core theological beliefs.   Does conflict and difference mean our church is not united? The fact is that conflict is a natural part of any authentic community, especially one that seeks growth.  When handled appropriately, conflict can actually be the motor of change that moves a congregation forward and “builds the body” of Christ.


The series is divided into the following three sessions.

1.    The Other
For each of us there is ‘the other’, someone we encounter who is not like us and is not part of our community.  The migrant worker, the neighbour from a different church denomination, or the woman selling the “Big Issue” on the street might be ‘others’ we encounter in our daily lives.  How do we recognise and respond to ‘the other’ among us?

2.    Dealing with Difference
Conflict is normal. We experience it in all our relationships, especially with those we consider close. Often it is unspoken; sometimes it leads to arguments or to a breakdown in relationships. When conflict is handled and engaged appropriately it has the potential to bring us closer.  In fact, conflict is often what provides both substance and intimacy to our relationships.  Church, like the rest of life, is full of conflict; however, we often ignore or avoid because in church we have to be ‘nice’ to each other. Conflict can be both a healthy and positive experience for a church when handled appropriately. So, the question is not how to avoid conflict, but rather how and when a church engages in conflict.

3.    Forgiveness
In church, we talk about forgiveness a lot. Forgiveness is part of our church language and we probably hear it nearly every Sunday morning whether in song or in prayer.  “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us...”  For a word we use so often, do we really understand what it means? What does forgiveness look like in a conflict situation?  How do we offer the forgiveness we receive from God to others, especially those who have hurt us unfairly?

For more information about the “Building the Body” series or to arrange the series for your church, contact the Edgehill Reconciliation Programme at (028) 9068 6933 or email at rec@edgehillcollege.org

 

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