August workshops - Synodality 101: Conversations in the Spirit
Workshops to train people to facilitate spiritual conversations
A free three-part series held online
Thursdays 8th, 15th & 22nd August
2:00pm - 4:00pm BST
Register here
How do we listen to each other well? How do we step back from our own agendas to be attentive to where the Spirit is moving? How can we make better decisions about organising ourselves as Christian communities? How do we enrich our parish communal life with enriching conversations?
The Synod process has emphasised the importance of listening and good conversations in our community life. However these are not always so easy in practice! This 101: Conversations in the Spirit workshop series will introduce the principles of holding prayerful, truthful and safe conversations which value gracious listening and courageous speaking.
It is suitable for all levels of experience including people who have not been involved in the Synod process so far. You will be supported to hold your own 'trial' conversation over the course of the sessions, and reflect back on your experience with the group. We will also hold a conversation in the Spirit each week.
After attending these workshops, we hope you will have the resources you need to hold a conversation in the spirit in your community.
What to Expect:
Week 1:
Explore the values of a synodal church
Be introduced to the importance of listening in Jesus' ministry
Reflect on what makes a good conversation
Work through some values of listening and speaking
Week 2:
Explore the role of the facilitator
Look at options for leading prayer at the beginning of a session
Think about small group skills
Consider some tricky situations which might arise
Week 3:
Reflect back on your own trial conversation
Think about using these materials to train others in your community
Make plans for how you can use your skills
Explore more of the School for Synodality resources
“The small group spiritual conversations were really enriching - both from the perspective of practicing the skills, but also from the experience of having a spiritual conversation with people we wouldn’t otherwise ordinarily connect with.”