EDGE 10:10
Event description
Facing Conflict Well in Pastoral Ministry
“We wish you’d never come!” The words repeated over and over in the mind of the pastor as he locked the manse door, and carried the last box to the removal van. How did it turn from so good to so bad, so quickly? “Could anything have stopped this outcome?” he wondered. The pastor was gutted, his family were hurting and the church was divided.
One of the surprising truths of pastoral ministry is that frequently, right in community of the people of God, conflict breaks out. This can cause frustration, disappointment, even anger for the pastor which can lead to more conflict. Pastors who conclude their ministries prematurely due to conflict often regret not addressing the conflict earlier and admit to feeling totally unprepared to face conflict and handle it well.
At EDGE 10:10, online from 10am – 3pm on Wednesday March 10th, pastors of Victorian Baptist Churches are invited to consider what conflict is and how to understand the different ways problem people can behave. We will consider how to best face conflict; the gifts that every pastor can bring to conflict; and how addressing conflict well can lead to greater trust and a deeply satisfying ministry.
The Pastoral Leadership Support & Development Team, Rev Jonathan Stark, Rev Chis Barnden, Rev Graeme Semple, Rev Robert Hayman, Pastor Kimberly Smith and Rev Dr Bill Brown will present different parts of the training, and there will be plenty of time to discuss and share with other pastors during the day.
EDGE 10:10 is for pastors who have started ministry some years ago and are wanting to sharpen their ministry skills to remain effective. As Ecclesiastes says, “If the axe is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength, is needed, but skill will bring success.” Eccl. 10:10. This day is aimed at increasing your skills at facing conflict so that you experience greater success in pastoral ministry.
There is no cost due to the online format however registration is essential.
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Cost: Free online
Where: Online (Zoom details will be sent in your registration confirmation email)