Many experienced ministers have never been offered specific training in handling conflict. It can be a welcome relief to tackle the subject at last with the help of Bridge Builders.

Contact us if you have responsibility for organising continuing ministerial development. We would expect to offer at least one day of training. If it can be two days, and residential, there will be more than double the value, because there will be more time to build trust and face up to personal challenges.

The training gives ministers a chance to reflect upon the reality of conflict in concrete situations, learn some new skills, and increase their capacity to offer calm leadership in tense circumstances. Typical subjects include:

• Our experience of conflict
• Conflict patterns in the church
• Jesus' call to reconciliation
• Personal styles of approaching conflict
• Careful communication
• Resolving conflict
• Escalation of congregational conflict
• Effective decision-making procedures
• Personal disciplines as a leader
• When to seek help such as mediation

But there is not one "standard" programme, and we will work with you to make sure that the training takes account of the particular group of participants.

"A very professional and effective presentation of the subject in a non-threatening and relaxed context - practical guidelines for conflict management in my own situation."

Revd Prebendary Rob North, Diocese of Hereford