Serving Together: A Day to Reflect

About This Reflection Day

Drawing on psychology and behavioural science, we'll explore what motivates people to serve, how our ancient instincts (like tribalism and hierarchy) still shape modern ministry, and what creates the kind of safety where people can bring their whole selves. You don't need a background in these fields—just curiosity and a willingness to see familiar situations through a new lens.

This isn't a lecture. It's a day set apart for reflection, practice, and honest conversation. You'll gain practical tools for understanding and navigating team dynamics, and a 4-week Advent journal to continue the work beyond this day. Whether you leave with clarity, questions, or simply permission to see things differently, there's space here for all of it.

You'll Explore:

✦ What motivates people to serve — and why it shifts over time
✦ The "Stone Age Mindset" in ministry — how our ancient instincts shape team dynamics
✦ Power, bias, and psychological safety — the invisible forces that build or erode trust
✦ Conflict as creative tension — tools for navigating differences with grace
✦ Co-creating a Ministry Culture Covenant — what we want people to feel when they serve here

You'll Leave With:

✓ Practical frameworks you can use immediately
✓ New ways of seeing familiar challenges
✓ A 4-week Advent reflection journal to deepen the work
✓ Connection with others navigating the same tensions

Schedule at a Glance:

09:00 – 09:45 AM | Parish Mass (Optional but encouraged)
10:00 – 10:30 AM | Welcome
10:30 – 12:30 PM | Morning Sessions: Motivation & the Stone Age Mindset
12:30 – 01:30 PM | Lunch & Story Circles
01:30 – 03:15 PM | Afternoon Sessions: Power, Bias & Conflict
03:15 – 04:00 PM | Co-Creating Our Vision & Sending Forth

Who Should Attend?

Anyone who leads, coordinates, mentors, or works alongside volunteers. Or if you're simply curious about this topic.

This day is for you.