The Care of Troublesome People
April
7-25, 2008
Facilitator: Vern
Farnum, D.Min., BCC
12.0 contact hours
Learn how to approach troubled and troublesome people in your
congregation in ways that are not dismissive but are caring,
affirming, and grounded in God's grace. This seminar is a study
of Dr. Wayne Oates' book, The
Care of Troublesome People. Dr. Oates
combines family systems theory, insightful analysis of five types
of behavior that often create conflict in churches, and biblically
based approaches for dealing with such behavior in this practical
guide for pastoral care givers.
This
seminar provides the opportunity for participants to join in
peer group dialogue around Dr. Oates observations to explore
caring for people who are troublesome. Through this process
the group benefits by learning from one another as well as
from Dr. Oates writing.
Presentations:
The seminar readings will focus on:
- The
Care of the Circumferential or Back-Biting Person
- The
Care of the Authoritarian, Power-Ridden Person
- The
Care of the Competitive Divider of the Congregation
- The
Care of the Clinging Vine or Dependent Person
- The
Care of the Star Performer
Following
this seminar, participants should be able to:
View troublesome people within the organization or congregation
from a family systems perspective; moving from a "blame-frame"
approach into a shared responsibility approach.
Recognize
that withheld
information within a system creates damaging secrets and
to facilitate the free flow of information with the system.
Recognize
their own motives, temptations, and reactions in caring for
troublesome parishioners.
Differentiate
some of the common types of troublesome people from the behavioral
patterns exhibited.
Develop
caring approaches toward troublesome people rather than coping
or "dealing with" approaches.
Registration: