Review date: January 2004
Reviewed by: Joanna Cox
Reviewed in: Anglican Adult Education Network email newsletter
It is always good to be able to pass on information about resources produced by colleagues from the Anglican Adult Education Network - so I am delighted to start the year sending out news of the recently published Grove Booklet 'How to Learn Through Conflict' (P96), by Colin Patterson ( Durham Diocese). Colin's insightful writing is already familiar to many of you from his much-appreciated contributions to AYCE. This is written for a wider audience than just educationalists and trainers (& is subtitled 'A handbook for Leaders in local Churches'). Yet the ethos underlying the suggestions it makes is one which promotes real learning far more than many resources on offer - the word 'learn' in the title is clearly chosen very deliberately. The issue of conflict is addressed with plenty of practical and spiritual wisdom. The booklet highlights processes that enable groups and individuals to examine and work through issues (e.g. various approaches to decision making and ways to encourage better listening). There are also a few exercises and ideas for things to do. For those involved in parish consultancy or development work, this is a 'must'! This will also provide useful insights and ideas for future training to many of us - e.g. training for parish or ministry teams, CME, reader or pastoral assistant training courses etc.
Review date: January 2004
Reviewed in: Bridge Builders Mediators Network email newsletter
Reviewed by: Charletta Erb
Christians are often intent on sweeping conflicts under the carpet when they surface in the midst of fellowship. We would rather ignore our tensions than engage each other in dialogue. In How to Learn Through Conflict," Colin Patterson advocates proactive ways of responding to conflict. As a church leader himself, Patterson offers encouragement for other leaders struggling with conflict. He envisions conflict as an opportunity for growth and learning, and not just as difficulty to be avoided. Conflict is typical part of the diversity of God's creation. Diverse personalities reveal more of God's perfect nature, which we understand only in part. People in conflict can potentially integrate insights learned from each person in conflict, rather than letting differences separate them. Patterson effectively illustrates how such differences lead to learning and greater strength. As the old adage goes, "what does not kill us makes us stronger." Well prepared church leaders can be vessels for transforming conflict into opportunities for growth. Patterson equips leaders with a meaningful biblical framework for better understanding conflict, particularly through the life of the early New Testament church. Patterson challenges leaders to move this biblical knowledge from the head to the heart with helpful tools for understanding habitual communication styles, and spiritual types. He calls us to look humbly into the mirror and to open our hearts to understand our own intuitive emotions, others' perspectives, and the guidance of the Spirit. At the level of congregational conflict, we require something more than an understanding of interpersonal conflict styles. There are many traps we face in any collective decision making process, such as the power possessed by those who make the most noise. Patterson is careful to suggest group decision making approaches that recognize and value multiple voices.
Several practical tools are offered in a format for ease of reference, including discussion or reflection questions, scripture references, and highlighted tips. The book is short (28 pages), making it easily accessible to busy leaders. The book is a convenient resource, as well as a tool for meaningful reflection. Recommended for equipping leaders to understand or explain the potential for conflict to transform us into mature Christians. While much of the content will be familiar to members of the Mediators' Network, the booklet offers a helpful way to explore these insights with others.