Workshop III
Tuesday, June 2, 3:45-5:15 p.m.
“In the Moment”—Attention and Discernment in Worship: Kelly Ballard
Come and receive inspiration and practical insights on what it means to artistically capture the movement of Christ in our gathered experience. Kelly Ballard will share some ideas on how to recognize and assimilate “the moment” in our worship times together.
Discernment: A Quaker-Ignatian Conversation: Alan Kolp
This workshop explores the commonalities and distinctive styles of the Quaker and Ignatian approaches to discernment. Both modes of discernment are rooted in their respective spiritualities which will be considered. Based on these spiritualities, particular attention will be given to the practice of discernment and how that leads to knowing and doing God's will.
Awakening to a Call to Communal Contemplation in Discernment—Sherryl White
As discernment processes become increasingly broad based, the question arises as to how people can best participate in them. Two spiritual practices of communal contemplation and contemplative dialogue are presented as foundational to fostering communal discernment. This worship will explore ways to facilitate the deeper conversations for which people seem to be searching.
Cultivating the Art of Spiritual Discernment in the People of God through Prayer Retreat Ministry: Denise Easter and Dianna Kunce
“The mature…those whose faculties have been trained by practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14) Personal communion with God is fundamental to becoming a discerning person. If we do not know how to have fellowship with God in prayer, we will find it difficult to hear and recognize the voice of God through the inner witness of the Spirit of Christ. So, how can one foster intimate relationship with God through prayer? Prayer retreats are an important way because they provide extended time in prayer and reflection. At this workshop our facilitators will introduce a process that will assist you in planning a “guided prayer retreat” for individuals and groups.
Discernment and Church Discipline: Jim and Sharon Van Yperen
This workshop will explore biblical principles for welcoming the Holy Spirit into the process of church discipline. We will seek to discover guidelines for the authority and limits of binding and loosing and uncover specific ways spiritual leaders can practice group discernment in matters of sin. We will use specific case studies to help apply principles to actual circumstances where church discipline was required. Bring your questions and concerns as we learn together the “discernment to render justice.”
Guidelines for Communal Discernment: Victoria Curtiss
This workshop will present an intentionally structured process for groups of various sizes to engage in discernment together. Making the transition from parliamentary procedure to discernment will also be discussed. Booklets will be available for participants.
Doing Discernment with the Ancestors: Discernment Techniques in the Church Catholic: Mark Ellingsen
Can I really use a Friends’ model of decision making in another denomination? Has the Friends tradition of discernment maintained any continuity with historic Christianity? This workshop addresses these very practical questions, providing ideas for those who are not Friends regarding how to introduce discernment practices in their own congregations, and also providing Friends themselves with language and insights for attracting an ecumenical audience for the practice of discernment. You'll learn more about how the earliest Christians at the ecumenical Councils made decisions, about the consensus fidelium which still authorizes most ecumenical decisions the Church has made, and about how to package consensus to make it relevant to your own denominational heritage.
Developing a Culture of Listening: Chuck Orwiler
Discernment is a conviction rather than a prediction. It arises from a state of being more than being the product of a process. Discernment emerges from love (Phil 1:9-11), it is part of the normal Christian life (John 10:27; Rev 3:19-22), and it constitutes the heart of discipleship in that we learn from Christ in embracing his yoke (Matt 11:28-30). As we keep our attention God-ward, especially in difficult times, the words of the prophet are true: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” (Isaiah 30:20-21).
