Facilitating Core Values Discussion

The conversation among leaders about the negative values that are being demonstrated at the church occurs during Retreat 2. As you might imagine, this conversation carries significant risk.

Facilitators should keep in mind that the assessment work that teams completed during Retreat 1 has prepared them to have difficult discussions like this. 

Facilitators are encouraged to keep an eye and ear out for discussions that might be turning the corner toward hostility. Talking about values exposes the culture of the church, which can create significant tension when the unhealthy behaviors being discussed might be linked to team members who are seated around the table on Saturday.

Teams tend to get stuck in the core values discussion, and some extra hand-holding from the facilitator is required. It's important not to assume that teams always understand what's being asked of them.

In the best-case scenario, the facilitator will be available for phone calls and follow-up consultations between retreats to help the team along if they get stuck.

One of the primary reasons the Acts 2 team has opened up the opportunity for mentor certification is to empower more leaders to help pastors and teams through the difficult stages of implementing the process, especially those who experience significant headwinds when implementing the process.

As a facilitator, do as much as you can in the time you have to ensure teams understand what's expected of them. Do your best to create an atmosphere where teams can ask questions, admit vulnerability, and express a need for extra assistance.

Sometimes, attending the between-retreat team meetings is the most productive time to address areas of confusion because there might be less hesitation to voice concerns in a setting in which only one church is present.

Please upload your response to the following question before beginning the next lesson:

Describe a time as a pastor or district leader when you led a team that was experiencing conflict. How did you find resolution? How might you draw upon these experiences as an A2J Facilitator?