How can we talk with people who differ from us politically, theologically, or culturally? Are there ways we can engage issues of public concern in our congregations so that we can listen, respect, and learn from each other?
The Rev. Dr. Leah Schade, author of “Preaching in the Purple Zone” and the 2021 Orders & Fellowship presenter, and trained facilitators have developed one-day and two-day workshops for Preaching in the Purple Zone to equip and empower clergy and church leaders in January and February 2022. Neither course is a prerequisite for participation in the other, and all workshops will be conducted online.
The one-day Entry Level Moderator Workshop is designed to equip clergy and laity with the basics to facilitate deliberative dialogue in the “The Purple Zone." Learn more.
The two-day Sermon-Dialogue-Sermon workshop is designed to help clergy use the process of deliberative dialogue in conjunction with prophetic preaching. Please note the two-day workshop requires some work before the workshop begins. Learn more.
What is Deliberative Dialogue?
Deliberative dialogue is a form of civil discourse that brings people together from diverse experiences and viewpoints to share their concerns about a topic, weigh the benefits and drawbacks of different approaches to the issue, discern their shared values, and suggest steps for moving forward.
Deliberative dialogue is an opportunity to listen deeply and share openly and respectfully. In this way, we can build community together, even when there are strongly held opinions from many perspectives.
Strategies and tactics for effectively moderating a deliberative dialogue in your congregation.
How you can help your church move beyond divisiveness to a gospel-centered engagement based on shared values.
Tips for facilitating a balanced, open-minded discussion in your church that frames the conversation within biblical and theological perspectives.
How to plan and carry out a deliberative dialogue in your congregation.
1-Day Entry Level Moderator Workshop
1-Day Workshop
Dates:
Jan. 13, 2022
(Deadline Dec. 29, 2021)
Feb. 10, 2022
(Deadline Jan. 21, 2022)
Schedule: Times for both dates are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST
Cost: $10
All clergy and laity who have not attended previous training or who want a refresher course in deliberative dialogue is invited to take part in this training opportunity. That includes certified lay ministers (CLMs), lay servants, church leaders, lay leaders, lay members, class leaders, adult/youth leaders, district networks or strategy teams.
We recommend that clergy attend the training with at least one lay leader so that they can assist and support each other in planning and moderating deliberative dialogue in their church. CEUs are available for this workshop.
The moderator will be in touch with you once you register and will send you the necessary zoom links.
1-Day Workshop Facilitators
All trainings are offered online and will take place 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Standard Time.
2-Day Sermon-Dialogue-Sermon Workshop
2-Day Workshop
Dates:
Jan. 19-20 2022
(Deadline Dec. 21, 2021)
Feb. 15-16, 2022
(Deadline Jan. 14, 2022)
Schedule: Times for both dates are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST
Cost: $20
We invite Clergy, CLMs and district superintendent assignees (DSAs) serving in an appointment and who preach on a weekly basis.
This two-day workshop is designed to help clergy use the process of deliberative dialogue in conjunction with prophetic preaching. Please note there is homework to be completed prior to this workshop.
Key to this endeavor is using a method of civil discourse called “deliberative dialogue” developed by the Kettering Foundation for finding common values among politically diverse participants. "Preaching in the Purple Zone" equips clergy to help their congregations respectfully engage in deliberation about “hot topics,” find the values that bind them together, and respond faithfully to God’s Word.
CEUs are available for this workshop. The moderator will be in touch with you once you register and will send you the necessary zoom links. More details about the 2-day workshop:
You must attend both days of the same workshop.
You will have homework to do overnight, so please keep the evening free of other commitments.
If you have not done so, please order the book "Preaching in the Purple Zone."
2-Day Workshop Facilitators
All trainings are offered online and will take place 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Standard Time.
