Creative Conflict Resolution

We all experience conflict in our lives. Conflict is intrinsic to creation and is in fact the source of innovation. The intensity of the conflict is less about how intractable it appears to be and more about how precious is the relationship in which it arises. If we don't experience conflict, we probably don't have significant relationships.

We have all had significant conflicts in important relationships that we have named, addressed, and resolved. And we can see that, when we have done so, the relationship is actually stronger than before we noticed the conflict. But that fact does not impel us to address the conflict. We don't know that this time we are going to be successful at resolution.

In this Cohort we will look at what conflict is, what it means to resolve it, and what we can do to move toward that resolution. In so doing, we deepen our relationship to ourselves, to each other, and to the larger world.

Part 1- What is Conflict?

Part 2- Four Things we do to address conflict that only sometimes are effective… and the one that always is.

Part 3- The Transformation Octave: the steps we take to address conflict   which takes us to a higher way of being.

Cohort created and facilitated by Rev. Dr. Mark Lee Robinson (photo attached)

 

Rev. Dr. Mark Lee Robinson is a graduate of Eden Seminary, trained at Care and Counseling, and the Executive Director of the Center for Creative Conflict Resolution. While he has served local congregations in several capacities, most of his work has been with conflicted systems including individuals, couples, families, and organizations like local churches.

He lives in St. Louis with his wife Joan. They have grandchildren in Denver and in the Philippines.

Dates: 6-7:30pm CT, Jan. 21, Feb. 18, March 18, and April 15, 2026

all cohort meetings will be online

Ministry Cohorts

Ministry Cohorts allow you to sample many theological themes, offering peer learning with your ministry context in mind. Scholars have chosen a specific lens on a particular topic and share their expertise through digital content you watch on your own time. Four monthly online meetings are interspersed, where you and your Cohort members gather for facilitated discussion with an experienced church leader.

Cohorts support lifelong learning and are for anyone- authorized clergy, chaplains, Christian educators, lay leaders and anyone interested in the topic. UCC members will recognize the Marks for Ministry woven throughout the cohorts, though anyone from any denomination, or no denomination, is welcome to attend.

Completion of this Ministry Cohort provides 9 contact hours of continuing education, subject to approval by the participant's credentialing body.