Redeeming Conflict with Reverence for the Other and Self

Tension is a normal part of any working relationship, even in church life: negotiating a salary, giving and receiving performance feedback, talking about differences in direction. None of these is easy. How we choose to manage our tensions, however, either fragments our working relationships or matures them, enabling them to more fully live their mission in the world. Speaking out of her own experience as a lay minister and conflict mediator, Ann Garrido will share a framework for analyzing the ordinary tensions of working in a parish and concrete practices to constructively engage the tough conversations that need to be had with reverence. Lunch will be provided.