Olive Branches: A Christ-like Approach
to Managing Conflict

Click here to download the Olive Branches brochure in PDF format.

Conflict Resolution Training for Local Churches: A program from Mount Vernon Nazarene University Office of Church Relations

"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples -- when they see the love you have for each other." Jesus Christ, speaking to his disciples the night before his crucifixion (The Message: John 13:34-35)

What is Olive Branches?

What does unresolved conflict mean for your church? Conflicts distract us from accomplishing the important things in our churches and individual lives. It consumes large amounts of time and energy. Relationships are weakened. Unresolved conflict will go "underground" and resurface at a later time.

Olive Branches is a new program created by the Office of Church Relations at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, in an effort to help churches be proactive about conflict within the church and within relationships in the church.

About Conflict Resolution Training

Facilitator Mike Williams believes that, if not managed, conflict will eventually drain a church of its passion. If managed properly, it can actually invigorate a church. Through a dynamic one-year relationship, Olive Branches training will help pastors and church staff:

• Learn how to take a proactive approach to conflict management.
• Understand how to limit the conflicts that arise, and manage those that do.
• Receive tools to manage conflict that can be used at church, home, and work.
• Train peacemakers within the church who coach others through conflict.
• Build a customized approach for your church!

It's Customized For Your Church

• Assistance in creating an implementation plan based on your church.
• Training for key leaders and small group leaders.
• Ongoing coaching for a pastor or key laymen to keep on target with your plan.
• Conflict management style evaluation for the pastor and key leaders.

Important Considerations

• Materials from the Alban Institute and Peacemakers International are utilized.
• The cost will be determined based on the financial strength of each church.
• Plan on a one-year relationship with MVNU to help you develop a proactive conflict resolution program.

About Your Facilitator

Mike Williams is a 1977 graduate of MVNU and an elder in the Church of the Nazarene. He has served as a pastor of urban and rural congregations in Florida, Ohio, and Illinois. His pastoral experience includes being a church planter and a lead pastor in multiple staff settings.

His primary responsibility is to oversee the Church Leadership Network which works with local church pastors and lay leaders on the MVNU region to help them be more intentional in fulfilling their mission. His roles include on-site consultations for churches, and as a church health coach for pastors.

He has also worked with Outreach, Inc. of San Diego, Calif., to provide training for churches from various denominations and has provided corporate leadership training for Honda of America.

Get Conflict Management Training in Your Church!

Contact MVNU Church Relations today to learn more about Olive Branches or to schedule an initial consultation.

• Contact us by phone at 1-888-470-0050
• Email Olive Branches for more information