A relational skills workshop

In order to improve our relational skills, we held an intensive and interactive training workshop at Drulingen Feb 20-25. Thirteen FPC co-workers with seven from other missions or churches participated, led by three dedicated and competent facilitators.

“The goal of this training workshop is love: to love God and one another. Without love, nothing else matters (I Cor 13.13)” Ken Williams. This training uses an engaging and effective teaching approach: exchanges in pairs, in small groups and all together, readings, practical demonstrations, role playing and time for personal reflection. Joel Rinderknect, Jonathan Ward and Rachel Calvert wonderfully coordinated all this.

Here are some of the subjects: know how to truly listen to another person; help another to resolve a problem; react well to criticism; develop mutual trust; manage conflict well; support those who suffer; manage stress and burnout; live in sexual purity; be a source of encouragement…

We met in the Bettwiller multipurpose hall, an extensive, open, well-lighted space. We stayed at the Drulingen mission house. Samuel, Claude, Marie and Anne spoiled us with their good meals which also facilitated mutual understanding and caring and made possible open sharing during the more formal moments.

Each one experienced this training as useful for their ministry and at the same time a time of renewal.

Sandrine Laporte