with Ted Lewis
In this series recap session, Ted Lewis will review the material of his series on "Restorative Practices for Congregations: Balancing Truth-telling with Trust-building" (see description below) including the following topics:
A Genesis Journey from Rivalry to Reconciliation
The First Half of Acts from Clash to Coexistence
Matthew 18 Conversations from Fear to Forgiveness
Philemon and Facilitation from the Head to the Heart
Participants will have opportunity to interact with Ted and the group about the relevance and need for restorative practices in their own contexts in ways that have practical application. Time will also be spent discussing what topics might be helpful in 2024 and beyond.
Participants do NOT have to have attended all of the sessions to participate in this recap. You are invited to join even if you have only attended one of the series' sessions.
SERIES DESCRIPTION
Church communities are increasingly being challenged by polarizing issues. Meanwhile, new stresses and strains are causing micro-harms and conflicts between church members, resulting in atmospheres of avoidance and mistrust. This workshop is one of four (each can be attended as a standalone) that tap into biblical narratives to offer rich wisdom for how people in church settings can hold space for hard but healing conversations. The power of people telling their own stories and being heard well by others is vital, but this work often requires the help of third-party facilitators. Participants receive an introductory foundation for facilitating processes that help people move from a defensive “head-zone” to an open “heart-zone” so that new life can rise up.
ABOUT TED LEWIS
After being introduced to restorative justice through Mennonite Central Committee workers on Pine Ridge Reservation in the early 90s, Ted has worked in the fields of restorative justice and conflict resolution in Kansas, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. His area of specialty is facilitation and training for restorative conferencing that includes harming and harmed parties, along with support people. Ted is the founder and coordinator of the Restorative Church project, and presently works as a restorative consultant and trainer for the Center for Restorative Justice & Peacemaking at the University of Minnesota.
LOCATION: Online on Zoom
FEE: Free