The intense spiritual, racial, political and sexuality conflicts that are polarizing America have flooded into every part of daily life, including the church.
Judging, attacking and canceling others has become a common practice. This behavior is fracturing families, friendships and churches every day. It is also disrupting the workplace and driving exhausted pastors out of ministry. These tensions are magnified by a steep decline in the religious values that used to characterize our nation [1].
But God is always up to something good. As he has done again and again in times of turmoil, he delights to call and empower his people to be sowers of peace (James 3:18). That is exactly what this year’s conference is designed to support and encourage.
This year’s keynotes and workshops will equip you with gospel-based skills that enable you to bridge theological, political and cultural tensions, to listen with discernment and compassion to people with opposing views, to use insightful questions to promote reasonable dialogue, and to engage others with the kind of wisdom, grace and truth that builds mutual respect and promotes the restoration of peace in our families, churches and communities.
Our conference will also provide training and resources that enable your church to establish a Peace Sower Team that provides ongoing training, coaching and conciliation services to your congregation and community. Such services have been proven to promote peace and unity, prevent divorces, promote evangelism and reduce the counseling burden on pastors (see details here [2]).
God alone can change people’s hearts and behavior, but we can be his willing instruments as we learn how to live out the relationship-changing exhortation of Romans 12:18 [3], “So far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
You can find information about the conference dates, location, speakers and workshops at our conference website [4]. You can also download a detailed information sheet to share with others at www.rw360.org/acinfo [5].
Based on the high level of interest in this year’s training themes, we are preparing for a full house. Therefore, I encourage you to register soon to reserve your seat!
New Director of Training and Networking
I am delighted to announce that Colin Sauskojus joined our team in April as our new Director of Training and Networking [6]. Colin brings outstanding training and experience to our team, but even more importantly, he has a deep love for Jesus and an eagerness to equip people with relational skills that enable them to be channels of our Lord’s transforming grace.
Colin holds a BS in Environmental Systems Science and Natural Resources from the University of Wyoming and an MA in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. Prior to joining RW360, Colin worked as a supervisor at Community Leadership & Development, Inc. [7], one of the most effective and respected ministries in our community.
Colin’s energy, insights, creativity and relational skills are already enhancing and expanding our training program. If you have any questions about our training or resources, or simply want to welcome Colin to the family, please feel free to email him at colin@rw360.org.
~ Ken Sande