This is a week long workshop Randy is helping to facilitate for ongoing training for our New Tribes Missionaries. Last month we told you a little about three different Listening Skills that are a part of this workshop. This month we are going to say a little about four modules we cover in the area of Conflict Resolution Skills:
Confronting: For many people, confrontation is the most difficult part of relating to others, yet it is essential to godly relationships. God’s Word is filled with confrontations and has much to say on the subject. This session guides participants through biblical guidelines and skills on how to confront others, from preparing for the confrontation, to steps to take when confronting. Both verbal and nonverbal ways to handle resistance when confronting are considered. The demonstrations and practice in confronting effectively help us become more comfortable and effective in confronting others when necessary.
Receiving Confrontation: Receiving confrontation well is just as important, and often even harder, than giving confrontation, especially when we are confronted in anger. In this session the participants discover biblical ways to diffuse an attack. Demonstrations show how to respond effectively and what to avoid doing when confronted in anger. Participants can dramatically see the difference that their reaction has when they are confronted in anger. Then they practice the skill in pairs.
Managing our Conflicts: Conflicts with others are rarely easy to handle. This session starts by looking at some core beliefs about healthy relationships and conflict. We then discuss biblical ground rules for effective conflict resolution, as well as a suggested step-by-step strategy for managing conflicts. This strategy helps to slow the process down, and reduces inappropriate expression of feelings. Demonstrations help participants see effective ways to handle conflicts and what to avoid when in conflict.
Helping Others Manage Conflicts: We sometimes observe others experiencing conflict that they are unable to resolve on their own. This session gives participants two strategies to help others who are in conflict. The first strategy is helping one person who comes to us; the second is being a mediator between two people with a conflict. Each contains specific steps to take. Two demonstrations illustrate these strategies, followed by a discussion of the demonstrations and practical application of how this skill can be used in our own lives.