In the six churches where I served as an Intentional Interim (meaning a self-study was involved), one consistent response was always voiced at the conclusion of the workshops: “We really needed to do this. I really feel I know people in a way I never did before.”
This response often came from some who initially did not see the need for any such study. It even came from those who, in the beginning, had been very negative about such a process. Alas, the onlypersons (a small group, I’m glad to say) who never saw the value of what we did were those who never participated in the study.
By the time you read this article, two of our very important sessions will have been concluded: “The Role Renegotiation Model” and “Handling Conflict With Maturity.” Content is always vital but a key ingredient is the opportunity to dialogue with one another and, later, to see comments of all participants in print. The secret (and why it should be a secret I do not know) of any organization is the free flow of information. Nothing is better at building trust, and nothing is better at getting the kind of responses and criticisms that assist in wise decision making.
Mark your calendars and plan to be with us for this year’s remaining workshops, which are held on Sunday immediately following morning worship. All workshops are preceded by a luncheon for which a reservation is necessary.
10/8 – “A Listening Workshop”
10/15 – “A Workshop on Forgiveness”
10/22 – “A Prescription for Dealing with Hurt and Anger”
10/29 – “A Problem-Solving, Decision-Making Process”
11/2 – “10 Actions That Keep the Church on the Side of Growth”; “Mature/ Immature Characteristics”
11/9 – “How Your Church Family Works”
