Transforming Church Conflict (Part 2)

From Theresa Latini

The key to transforming conflict in the church today is developing skilled leaders who are not afraid to engage conflict. As mentioned two weeks ago, we need a new framework for understanding and approaching conflict: conflict contains gifts and possibilities; conflict resides within us (it is an internal reality); and (3) compromise is often a superficial and short-term remedy for conflict. Grounded in this understanding and trusting the Spirit of God, leaders and members alike can learn how to speak (and listen to) the truth in love.

Three skill sets (or, practices) in compassionate communication contribute to transforming conflict: honesty, empathy, and self-empathy. When we lean into conflict with these three practices, we create the conditions whereby the Spirit may unite us in peace. In this blog, I’ll unpack the skill set of honesty—which though simple is far from simplistic.

To begin, we have to admit the obvious: not all honesty is helpful, caring, or compassionate. Some forms of honesty trigger defensiveness or escalation of conflict. The honesty that I’m talking about is founded upon the knowledge and acceptance of our fellowship with one another. Christians belong to one another. Our lives are woven together in Christ. To speak harsh judgments against each other is an attack on Christ’s body.

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A Delightful Inheritance

From Jennifer L. Holberg

As Jessica Bratt blogged on Monday, her father (and my colleague) Ken Bratt had his retirement reception that afternoon. I just want to note here that, contrary to Jessica’s prediction, no “roasting” occurred. A little ribbing, perhaps, but even that is probably too strong a term. To be honest, Ken has simply been far too upstanding a citizen at Calvin to allow anything beyond mild teasing. So we showed a powerpoint of him in ‘80s glasses and “dad” sweaters, made fun of his love of a daily ham sandwich, gently mocked his millions of slides.

And we celebrated his countless contributions to our college. Maybe it’s appropriate, then, that today (Tuesday when I’m writing this) is “Thank a Teacher Day.” Ken was never my instructor in the undergraduate classroom, but I did work with him for many years in the honors program as the associate director. And in that role, he did teach me a great deal about administering a program, about working with faculty and some of our brightest students, about understanding institutional history and politics. Most of all, he modeled dignity (the word “gravitas” was invented for him, I think) and good humor and generosity and servanthood in spades. His example has called us all to be better colleagues.

Actually, I’ve been very fortunate in the teachers in my life.

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Arendt, Augustine, and Evil

From Steve Mathonnet-VanderWell

The Boston Marathon bombing seems like increasingly "old-news," although Jeff Munroe’s post last week, "I’m Not Done With Boston" generated some good discussion. It might be that now, when the frenzy and fury are behind us, that we start to see more thoughtful reflections, theological and otherwise.

Today, I’m posting part of a piece by Anthony Robinson.  It appeared originally in Crosscut, an online Seattle periodical. You can read it in full here. Tony is a minister in the United Church Christ who now serves as a consultant, speaker, and author. I became aware of him when he wrote occasionally in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, and we’ve had him in Perspectives a few times.

Typically writing to a very secular audience, Tony always manages to be overtly theological and explicitly Christian, not to mention often compelling—for both Christians and others. That's what I think Tony does here, pushing beyond the whodunit headlines to ask questions about society, ourselves, and the deeper state of things.Thanks to Tony for allowing me to share these excerpts.

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Interview with Professor Ken Bratt, aka "Dad"!

From Jessica Bratt

My dad, Ken Bratt, is retiring this year. He's been a Classics professor and director of the Honors program at Calvin College for decades, so I thought I'd ask him to share a bit with The Twelve. I wish I could be on campus for his retirement reception this afternoon; if any of you are around, please stop by! 

Thank you, Dad, for cooperating with this request! And thank you for all that you've taught and shared with so many over the years. Sending love from Nashville, the "Athens of the South"! 

After Dad's commencement address, 2009

Jessica: When did you start teaching at Calvin? (You had an offer from Hope at the same time, correct?)

Ken: 1977; yes, and Jack Nyenhuis (the chair at Hope) was also a good friend, so it was hard to disappoint him.

J: What are some of the biggest changes you've seen at Calvin over the years?

K: Demographically, the student body is much less CRC & more ecumenical; we have more ethnic and international diversity, more women on the faculty. Pedagogically, the communication revolution has had profound effects on teaching and learning. I've gone from the mimeo machine (what’s that?) down the hall to computers on every desk and smart phones in almost every pocket -- which has profound effects on learning. It allows students to be “connected” to the world and disconnected from what’s happening in their presence simultaneously. It prioritizes digital and visual information over printed books and contributes to the dominance of a youth culture -- the last trip to Greece was the first time I’ve seen most students internationally wired. It no longer seems possible to really experience culture shock in a short visit any more.

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Don’t You Want to Thank Someone

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
for His steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

Perhaps it began when I discovered that memorizing books of the Bible (in chronological order) was easier when sung to a catchy tune. Or maybe it was the realization that Scripture learned by song remained longer in my memory than verses simply recited. (Now running through my head are the melodies to Micah 6:8 and Matthew 6:33) Whenever this discovery, the combination of words and music has been and remains important in my spiritual life. I am grateful for artists who craft words with music that invite me to think deeply, worship better, and love God more fully. For over a decade, one of my favorites has been singer-songwriter, Andrew Peterson. His newest album, Light for the Lost Boy inspired by Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Yearling, explores the theme of innocence lost—that time in youth when one realizes this world isn’t how it ought to be. Lament characterizes several of the songs, yet the album turns to gratitude at its conclusion. The final song, “Don’t You Want to Thank Someone,” serves as a reminder that in spite of all that is terribly wrong, we are surrounded by evidence that the One setting all things right is fully present among us.

With many of Andrew’s songs, I like to listen for a specific lyric that invites me into further reflection. I found it quickly in “Don’t You Want to Thank Someone.”

Maybe it’s a better thing
To be more than merely innocent
But to be broken; then redeemed by love.

At first, innocence sounds like the obvious choice. But then I recall the broken, then redeemed things in my life and how they’ve shown me the depth of God’s love. As I sort through them, I remember the stuck moments, believing I’d never move beyond what had gone so terribly wrong. Then, over time—sometimes a long, long time— signs of God’s redemptive work appear. From anger, despair, grief, and disappointment comes a most beautiful thing, the return of gratitude. God’s good, generous and redemptive kind of love—maybe it is a better thing than mere innocence.

For more information about Andrew Peterson’s music and other thoughtful artists, visit The Rabbit Room at www.rabbitroom.com.

Dana Daniels is the associate director of advancement at Western Theological Seminary. She is also involved in an RCA church plant, Embody Christ Fellowship, with husband Rev. Jim Daniels.