Module THMN3207: Conflict Transformation in the Church

Department: Theology and Ministry

THMN3207: Conflict Transformation in the Church

Prerequisites

• THMN1091 Practical Theology 1

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide skills and tools to work towards effecting transformation in situations of conflict
• To promote understanding of conflict in church settings
• To develop awareness of personal working style as a leader facing conflict

Content

• Our Experience of Conflict:
• Definitions and associations of conflict
• Christians and conflict
• Ways of working with conflict
• Gilmore-Fraleigh style profile – personal profile in calm and storm; defining and recognising excess
• The Church and Conflict:
• Biblical material dealing with conflict
• Positions and Interests
• Levels of church conflict
• Tools for Conflict Transformation:
• Re-framing
• Apology
• The ‘conflict spectrum’
• Centred speaking and listening
• Informal mediation
• Facilitating good group process
• Being an effective leader in the face of conflict

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the module students will be able to:
• Demonstrate comprehension and critical analysis of the causes and structures of human conflict
• Demonstrate comprehension of and intelligent engagement with Christian approaches and resources for dealing with issues of conflict
• Discuss the ethical impact of conflict in Christian ministry

• Upon successful completion of the module students will be able to:
• Articulate ways for working constructively with conflict in the church
• Draw upon resources informed by scripture and the human sciences in their approach to conflict and pastoral care within church settings
• Demonstrate a critical awareness of principles of effective leadership in ecclesial settings in the face of conflict

• Upon successful completion of the module students will be able to:
• Work empathetically, generously and with openness towards the positions, interests and needs of those with various views and working styles
• Demonstrate awareness of their own working style preference

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The modes of teaching will vary including:
• Input sessions to impart information to facilitate knowledge of the subject matter
• Interactive learning through role play, questions, and small group discussion to facilitate critical engagement with the subject matter
• Whole group participation in conflict transformation exercises to enable experiential learning and reflection, and the provision of tools for working with conflict.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Participation in course exercises and in-class reflective journaling

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University