FLOW Conference

Interpersonal relationships--in the family, in the church, at work--often challenge our abilities and patience. How can we interact with other people in a way that honors Christ? How can we make the rough times smooth? Even in good relationships, conflicts arise. What skills will allow us to face the conflict and build harmony?

We all have coping mechanisms we rely on when facing conflict. Some are more effective than others:

• Fight--to stand against. Taking a defensive position and/or attacking, we adamantly stand for our own interests with little concern for others' interests. Even the victorious in the fight go away wounded, and everyone's wounds reopen in future conflicts.



• Flight--to avoid by fleeing. At the first sign of conflict, we protect ourselves by physically or emotionally walking away, refusing to discuss, giving in to the stronger personality. While this response may seem to momentarily ease the tension, the lack of resolution will haunt future interactions.



• Freeze--to become immobile or inactive. Unable to defend or run, we simply become paralyzed. We don't respond and find ourselves at the mercy of the other people involved in the conflict.



• Flow--to move smoothly through. Desiring true resolution and using learned skills, we face the conflict, work through the issues and find a viable answer to satisfy all concerns. By choosing to flow, we strengthen the relationships and build a foundation for future interaction.

DM can help you learn to handle conflict effectively. Trained facilitators will guide you through the information and allow you to practice the skills discussed. Four elements are included in each conference:

• The Meiers-Briggs training uncovers your personality strengths and highlights how we in the Body need each other to effectively function as the God-designed church.



• The conflict resolution session outlines why dealing with conflict is difficult and gives practical scriptural techniques to carefully and peacefully work through hard discussions.



• Group initiatives give you a chance to practice your newly learned skills in less stressful scenarios than real-life situations.



• Follow-up activities will help you "put it all together" and begin to apply the principles and skills to your individual situations.

FLOW Conferences are designed to be a 24-hour get-away. We will present a FLOW Conference for groups of 6 to 30 people. You may choose to come to DM or invite us to meet you at a facility closer to home.

FLOW Conference At DM mid-August to Mid-April

Day 1
4-6 p.m. arrive and get settled
6-7 p.m. dinner
7-9:30 p.m. Myers-Briggs Personality Type Training

Day 2
8-9 a.m. breakfast
9-noon Group Initiatives
noon-1 p.m. Lunch
1-4 p.m. Conflict Resolution Training
4-5:30 p.m. Launch Session: Apply Principles to Your Situation
6-7 p.m. Dinner
7 p.m. depart