Preventing, Coping, and Overcoming Conflict
Rev. Thomas Bandy

We approach conflict resolution from the context of “turnaround church” leadership. Our seminar trains clergy and lay leaders experiencing the stress of change to unite the church around mission purpose and spiritual depth, rather than simply resolving differences in institutional harmony. We will learn:

• How to build a foundation of trust to help prevent conflict, but also empower creativity and innovation;
• How to hold congregational leaders and members accountable to consistent, spiritual standards of credibility;
• How to intervene in each of the “seven stages of control”, in order to free the church from the manipulation of powerful cliques;
• How to support and coach core leaders to overcome stress, set aside ego, continue momentum for personal and congregational growth, and pursue God’s purpose.

Most declining churches fail to “turnaround” because they cannot overcome conflict and break control. Churches may have profound theology, skilled leadership, and quality programs, and yet fail to thrive because they cannot prevent, cope, or overcome conflict. On the other hand, churches may be unsophisticated theology, unskilled leadership, and low resources, and yet thrive in the contemporary world because they have a foundation of trust, cope maturely with control, and overcome conflict for a higher purpose.

Make the most of this seminar by bringing a team from your congregation. Especially consider including your pastor, lay leader, council chairperson, Staff-Parish Relations chairperson, and others in your church. The seminar will include presentation, team conversation, plenary dialogue, and opportunities to customize the learning for your unique church. Don’t forget the added advantage of a two week, exclusive access, on-line coaching forum with Tom Bandy to help you implement the learning in your church.

Two week online forum following the seminar for participants with Tom Bandy.

REV. THOMAS BANDY, senior editor of Net Results, is also the director of Net Results Online Seminars (tgbandy@netresults.org) and a partner in Easum, Bandy & Associates. His personal mission is to equip churches to help people experience the transforming power of God and walk daily with Jesus. He has been a pastor, denominational leader, mentor, theologian, and consultant in many cultures and contexts. He is author of several books, including Christian Chaos: Revolutionizing Congregational Organization and Coaching Change: Breaking Down Resistance and Building Up Hope.