Monthly Leader Guide

1.     (Slide 35) As you begin this session, reflect on the conversations from the last session about reconciliation. Invite participants to consider how the previous ordination question and the question in this session might relate to one another and inform one another.

2.     (Slide 36) Using the “Biblical Background” material as well as your own resources, begin this session with a brief Bible study of Philippians 4:2–3, 1 Corinthians 1:10–13a, and Ephesians 4:1–6 noting the following:

3.     Review the information on “The Local Congregation” from the resource material. (Slide 37) This is the only ordination question that asks leaders to make a promise. In saying, “I do” to this ordination question, leaders are committing to a three-fold task:

4.     Where two or three are gathered … there will eventually be conflict. Resolving conflict and seeking reconciliation when division happens is the role of a spiritual leader. Conflict resolution begins with ME. Review the four actions that can help achieve conflict resolution from that section of the resource material. (Slide 38)

The 204th General Assembly (2002) of the PC(USA) approved an excellent resource for sessions and congregational leaders as they address disagreements and conflicts in the church—Seeking to Be Faithful Together: Guidelines for Presbyterians During Times of Disagreement. The resource may be found at: https://www.presbyterianmission.org/resource/seeking-to-be-faithful-together-guidelines-for-presbyterians-in-times-of-disagreement/.

1.     Peace, unity, and purity is not placidness, quiet, and agreement. In addition to the question provided in the resource material related to the re-painting of the fellowship hall, create one or two other simple case studies that highlight a potential conflicted decision that might present itself in your context. Divide the group into two or three groups, depending on the overall size of the group. Ask each group to consider one of the case studies and answer the question, “How would you work toward a decision and maintain the peace, unity, and purity in this situation?”

2.     Using the four points of conflict resolution provided in the resource material and the Guidelines for Presbyterians During Times of Disagreement, invite the group to discuss the adult study classroom dilemma scenario presented in the resource material or a similar situation specific to your context where conflict is likely to occur. What strategy would they use to address the issues and to address the conflict?

Close the time together by using the benediction from 2 Corinthians 13:11,13.