Bridges to Better – Spiritual & Synodal Re-Framing of Conflict in Ministry
November 19 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Course Summary
In this day and age of polarization, cruelty, short fuses, real hurts and fractures in ministry and life, understanding, addressing, and managing conflict is as essential a ministry skill as sacramental preparation. What can we learn from the spirituality of synodality to help us? What are the skills, tactics (and a few tricks!) that can help us not be overwhelmed when conflict comes barging in and can keep conversations bridging towards shared interests and possible solutions.
Course Learning Objectives
- Discuss theological,. psychological, and spiritual perspectives to re-frame the reality, purpose and meaning of conflict
- Identify some synodal habits that persons and communities can put in place to help us respond to circumstances of conflict, including attentive listening and mirroring
- Discuss real strategies for avoiding self-overwhelm in conflict situations and skills that can de-escalate and open paths to resolution
Date: Thursday November 19, 2026 || Time: 6:00 to 9:00 pm (three-hour course) || Format: Zoom Live || Cost: $25
Professor: Marc J. DelMonico, Ph.D.
This course is eligible for ongoing formation. Those not registered in the Advanced Ministry Studies but would like to take the class as ongoing formation please use discount code: AMS-Pract303 for a $15.00 discount.