LONG BRANCH – The Anatomy of Peace by the Arbinger Institute diagrams a way of being that starts with a heart of peace which is necessary to address conflict and change. It is based on the idea that people put themselves in boxes that become barriers to affecting change and that the most important part of helping things go right is getting out of the box.
GNJ clergy will go deeper with these ideas to engage in peacemaking with Jim Ferrell, one of the authors of the book and a leader at the Arbinger Institute, at the 2018 Bishop’s Clergy Convocation on Nov. 12-14 at the Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch.
The Arbinger Institute provides training, consulting, coaching and implementation tools that move individuals, teams and organizations from the default self-focus on an inward mindset to a results focus of an outward mindset.
“With an outward mindset, organizations and individuals focus on collective results. They can have difficult conversations about resource allocation, roles, and responsibilities without feeling the need to protect their silos, defend their decisions, or appear in certain ways,” explained Ferrell “They might frame the problem differently, allowing them to see new possibilities for solutions and new directions for problem-solving.”
The Anatomy of Peace will be given free of charge to all Convocation registrants to help prepare for deep discussions and new insights. It has been widely read in UMC circles.
“The book was so powerful for me as a leader that I read the book three times and participated with colleague bishops in discussions on how we will use the principles in our leadership,” said Bishop John Schol. “I believe Greater New Jersey clergy will find the discussions and resources presented to be invaluable as we move forward in our 2019-23 Strategic Plan to equip leaders who make disciples who make disciples.”
“With an inward mindset, we are blind to what others need and therefore can frustrate others or create conflict, continued Ferrell. “We might blame others for our frustrations or failures. Focused only on our own objectives, we might even hamper our effectiveness or results while thinking we’re doing a good job!
In his role as Arbinger’s managing partner, Ferrell directs the development of the institute’s training and consulting programs and the development and customization of its intellectual property. He has provided training and consulting internationally to leaders and organizations across a broad range of industries.
For the past three decades, Arbinger has been a leader in public and private sector organizational and cultural transformation, leadership training and consulting, and conflict resolution and transformation. Arbinger has helped thousands of organizations to institutionalize the change from an inward to an outward mindset while developing leaders, staff, teams and organizations that maximize responsibility and become more effective in daily operations.
“With an outward mindset, difficult conversations take on a new light,” said Ferrell. “They are seen as important for the success of the team and the organization. With this framing, the range of possible solutions expands dramatically.”
GNJ clergy have come to love the annual Convocation as a time for renewal, learning and fellowship. Some have described it as a “gift.” A 2017 participant stated that the event’s theme “confirmed many of the things I had already been wrestling with in my own spirit and ministry as we work toward vitality. Not only did it affirm where God has been leading in my own ministry and the trajectory my church is on, but it also made me proud to be part of GNJ.”
From the comforts of a beachfront hotel, a kind and helpful staff and delectable food, the accommodations provide clergy with a place to relax, seek rest and focus in an environment that doesn’t detract from the overall message of the three-day retreat. Childcare for clergy will be provided at no cost (pre-registration required). Spouses are children are encouraged to accompany clergy.
To find out more and register for the 2018 Bishop’s Clergy Convocation, click here. The event will be held Nov. 12-14 at the Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch, NJ. Cost includes registration fee, two-night stay, and meals.