Full Congregation Mediation Process
- Components: Contracting and Commitment; Information Gathering and Assessment; Education; Healing; Problem Solving; and Closure.
- When to choose this process: There is a relatively high and wide-spread level of anxiety in your congregation; There is a need to make some win-win decisions regarding issues of disagreement facing the congregation; The need to address hurts in interpersonal relationships in the congregation in a healing manner; There is a need to bring closure to unresolved hurts from the past; Your congregation ranks as a Level Four on Speed Leas’ Scale of Conflict in Churches.
- How long: This process typically takes six to twelve months to complete.
- Includes: Two weekend workshops; Several 90-minute small-group sessions where interests of participants are recorded for problem solving later in the process; Two five-hour sessions to work at neutralizing history; Two five-hour sessions for Problem Solving; Closing service of reconciliation. At least 40 hours of engagement across the course of this service.
- LMPC Desires: To have a vote whereby at least 67% of those present and voting express their support for and commitment to undertaking the congregational mediation process. The congregational mediation process is designed to involve the entire congregation. The participation and support of key leaders, including the pastor, is crucial.
- Cost: $25,000-$50,000 depending on location and size.
Mediation With A Small Group
- Components: Contracting and Commitment; Information Gathering and Assessment; Education; Healing; Problem Solving; and Closure.
- Like the Full Congregational Mediation Process but with fewer participants.
- Curtail some of the steps; less expense.
- LMPC Considerations: Ensure that people representing all of the various perspectives on the issue facing the congregation are included in the process.
- This must be the right process for your congregation and not a short-cut.
- The people affected by the conflict are involved.
- All members impacted by decisions are involved.
Interpersonal Mediation
- Components: With 2-6 people.
- Pre-mediation steps of Contracting and Commitment.
- Phone Interviews for Information Gathering and Assessment.
- Educational Component: Style Profile, Biblical material, basic conflict skills.
- Mediation Steps: Set a time and place for the mediations and facilitate the four-step mediation process.
- Incorporate transformation strategies of healing, giving agency and working toward reconciliation.
- Incorporating key Family Systems theory.