A ministry of conflict transformation and peace-building that has served over 100 churches throughout New England, the “Walking in the Way” program was created by Beverly Prestwood-Taylor and Karen Nell Smith in 2001 to provide neutral third-party assistance to congregations in times of transition and turmoil, as they work through issues of conflict, or in seeking to strengthen their peacemaking skills as communities of faith.
“Walking in the Way*” is more than a program, or a process, or a set of tools for addressing conflict. “Walking in the Way” implies a manner of living and a way of being. If we decide to “walk in the Way,” we are choosing to be Christian peace-builders with a vision of covenantal relationship, both within our congregations and extending to our global community. “Walking in the Way” requires not only learning new skills and the theory and theology of peace-building, but also requires a willingness to undergo personal transformation.
In working with church communities in turmoil or transition, we take a three-fold approach.
First, we gather the facts and establish a covenant…Our first step is to gather and understand initial facts and perceptions in order to bring light to the issues and concerns at hand. This is accomplished by listening actively and respectfully to all involved. In this step we often ask the congregation to form a “core group” of 12 to 15 individuals who broadly represent all the voices in the congregation. This group will be invited to work and learn with us and to lead the congregation as they “Walk in the Way.”
Then, we attend to 'the body’ by facilitating a series of sessions…Beginning with the core group and joining them in expanding the dialogue to others in the congregation, we address the issues at hand by moving through the “Walking in the Way” process—standing, reaching out, joining hands, and walking together. Our focus is on bringing the skills and attitudes of conflict transformation to the leaders and members of the congregations we serve, so that they can bring them to bear on present and future conflicts.
Throughout, we strengthen the community of faith by encouraging spiritual growth, new awareness, and healing…Our work together includes the introduction of new skills and concepts including a “behavioral covenant,” as well as on-going coaching and support as new approaches are immediately put into practice in addressing the current issues and challenges. We weave a thread of spiritual reflection and prayer throughout everything we do, believing that God’s hand is always present in conflict offering each and all a divine opportunity to heal and to grow as individuals and as a congregation.
