When you encounter blocking, intractable, even abusive behavior, do you wish you were better equipped to deal with it? This more advanced learning experience will help you understand the dynamics behind this behavior and develop skills and approaches that can turn these frustrating and infuriating situations around.
What Will You Learn?
* To identify when a problem is actually being caused by a difficult person and when something else is the root cause
* When to embrace these individuals, when to negotiate, when to stand your ground, when to withdraw
* How to increase your congregation’s ability to maintain health and integrity
What Will You Take Home from this Learning Retreat?
* An outstanding learning experience led and presented by Susan Nienaber, premier consultant in the field of dialogue, healthy congregations, and conflict transformation in faith-based settings
* All materials you will use during the event
* Your own copy of Never Call Them Jerks: Healthy Responses to Difficult Behavior, by Arthur Paul Boers (Alban, (1999)
* An extensive, annotated bibliography
* Opportunities for private and small group conversations with the presenter and your peers throughout the three days
* Knowledge, skills, and confidence in approaching and dealing with the variety of difficult behaviors you encounter
Who Should Attend?
* Clergy and lay leaders who care deeply about creating a healthier congregation better equipped to fulfill God’s mission and vision
* Seminary faculty teaching congregational leadership
* Denominational and Judicatory staff responsible for dealing with congregational conflict.
What Else Should You Know?
* This event will begin with lunch on Tuesday, February 5, and conclude with lunch on Thursday, February 7. Shared meals are an important part of the learning experience. Please try to arrange your travel in such a way as to be able to participate in these opening and closing meals.
* Scholarship assistance is available for clergy and lay leaders from small congregations. Click here for more information.
Who Is the Leader?
With a background as a counselor and therapist, Susan Nienaber combines compassion with independence when working with congregations on issues of conflict, dialogue, crisis, personnel, professional misconduct, leadership, and interpersonal dynamics. For nearly two decades, Susan has served as a consultant and mediator in congregations and denominations. She is an ordained Elder of the United Methodist Church and has been a hospital chaplain and parish pastor.