Jesus in conflict
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Bridge Builders serves in the ministry of peacemaking and reconciliation, seeking to transform conflict within the church. A programme of the London Mennonite Centre (LMC), Bridge Builders provides training, mediation, consultancy, and related services for all Christian churches and denominations in Britain.
The vision for Bridge Builders grows out of the historical Mennonite commitment to the way of peace and non-retaliation against enemies as central elements of the Christian gospel.
Visit the Bridge Builders site at
www.menno.org.uk/bridgebuilders
More information, including applications available for download, can be found on our website: www.menno.org.uk
Church Mediation: An Ecumenical English Conference
The Royal Foundation of St Katharine, East London
19 September 2007
This September, Bridge Builders is hosting its first conference on church mediation. The conference will give an opportunity to hear from senior representatives of some of the main Christian denominations in England on their vision for the use of mediation in the church, what progress has been made over the last 10 years and more, and on possible future steps. Speakers will include: Revd Paul Hills, Baptist Senior Regional Minister; James Behrens, author of Church Disputes Mediation; Revd Will Morrey, former President of the Methodist Conference; Revd Elizabeth Caswell, current Moderator of the URC General Assembly; and Major Mike Highton, Salvation Army Divisional Leader.
Skills Training for Mediation and Facilitation in the Church
Ushaw College, Durham
8-12 October 2007
This course is designed to equip Christians with practical skills for responding constructively to conflict. This five-day course explores conflict within us, between individuals and within the congregation. The course aims to raise self-awareness, to develop understanding of conflict and to teach methods to facilitate resolution and transformation of conflicts, particularly through mediation. Although focussed primarily on the church setting, the skills learnt are transferable to other areas of life.
Jesus Facing Conflict: An Exploration of Matthew's Narrative
London Mennonite Centre
24 October 2007
In this seminar, Colin Patterson will examine the way that Jesus, according to Matthew, handles conflict. Of the four evangelists, Matthew is the natural source-book for a life of discipleship as Matthew offers the most extensive information about the teachings of Jesus and also offers a vivid portrayal of Jesus' words and actions in relationship with others. The events in which Jesus is personally faced with conflict are particularly striking. To what extent is conflict a key element of the whole story? What impact does the narrative have if we pay attention to relationship dynamics, levels of tension, choice of words, body language and tone of voice? How does Jesus model his own precepts? What does 'God with us' look like in relation to facing conflict? The seminar will be participatory in style, bringing movement, drama and empathy to Matthew's story.