Communication involves much more than just what we say. It also encompasses how we say it and what message is heard. Our personality and life experience as well as our view towards the audience and our understanding of the context all shape the form of the message we are communicating. The Bible teaches that communication should be ‘always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone’ (Col 4:6). However, communicating with grace can be a challenge often leading to conflict within various ministry contexts leadership teams. Although conflict can be a healthy indicator of communication, failing to recognise the presence and source of a conflict and the inability to defend God’s truth with accuracy, sensitivity and confidence can lead to division and an ‘us vs them’ community dynamic. Therefore, understanding how conflict develops and how to resolve it is an importance skill for anyone who wishes to be an effective leader in a healthy community.

Workshop Outline

This workshop will be divided into three sessions.

First session: Communicating effectively depends on whether you understand your receiver well! So this first session will offer you a fresh perspective on current worldviews and trends and enable you to navigate these with competence and care.

In the second session we will explore and practise the principles of effective communication, identifying different types of communication and learning how to listen actively, convey understanding and respond assertively and sensitivity.

The third session focuses on competence in how to identify sources of conflict from both a theological and psychological standpoint and barriers to resolving conflict. You will also explore the importance of group dynamics in creating healthy communities and managing conflict and explore ways of making decisions in the face of conflict.

Transformational Skills

• Become more conversant with current worldviews and trends in order to communicate more effectively
• Acquire skills in assertive communication and discover your personal barriers to communicating effectively
• Be able to identify sources of conflict and unhealthy group dynamics
• Learn strategies to build healthy relationship and communities