Circuit Stewards Induction Training MODULE 3 Positive working

Circuit Stewards' Induction Training MODULE 3: Positive working together

Aims of Module 3 To help participants: • understand the importance of effective communication • gain skills for collaborative working • explore ways in which pastoral care is expressed by circuit stewards, especially for presbyters and their families. Circuit Stewards' Induction Training – Module 3 2

Group learning agreement Learning together we will: • listen to each other without interrupting • respect the diversity, feelings and experiences of others • respect each other’s views • question in a constructive way that enables us to learn • respect confidentiality within the group Circuit Stewards' Induction Training – Module 3 3

Group learning agreement • take responsibility for our own learning • recognise that each person brings different skills and knowledge to their role. Circuit Stewards' Induction Training – Module 3 4

Opportunity to reflect • Are there any questions about the sections of the handbook that you have read? • Have you applied any of the learning from Module 2? • Is there anything from Module 2 you are unsure about? • Have you any success stories or creative ideas you would like to share with the group? • Is there anything that you would like the group’s thoughts on? Circuit Stewards' Induction Training – Module 3 5

Introducing Positive Working Together Circuit Stewards' Induction Training – Module 3 6

Devotion: Different perspectives, one body Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. 1 Corinthians 12: 14 (NRSV) Circuit Stewards' Induction Training – Module 3 7

Conflict is… “Conflict [is] natural, normal, neutral and sometimes even delightful. Conflict can turn into painful or disastrous ends, but it doesn’t need to. Conflict is neither good nor bad, right nor wrong. Conflict simply is. ” David Augsburger (David Augsburger, Caring Enough to Confront, Regal, 2009). Circuit Stewards' Induction Training – Module 3 8

Active listening • Listening carefully and accurately. • Difficult and takes energy. • Verbal and non-verbal. • Not waiting to jump in and make your own point. • Takes practice. • Difficult if you have strong opinions or feel time pressure. • Self-awareness becomes important. Circuit Stewards' Induction Training – Module 3 9

Active listening SUSPEN D • Reflective • Generative DEFEND • Skilful discussion • Debate Circuit Stewards' Induction Training – Module 3 10

Being professional “Starting from a distinctively Christian standpoint creates an opportunity for individuals associated with the Church to behave in a manner which models the very highest standards of human interaction and relationships. ” (Positive Working Together short guide, page 4). Is this the same as being professional? Circuit Stewards' Induction Training – Module 3 11

Being professional • Professional: from the Middle English adjective, profes, meaning ‘having professed one’s vows’. • From the Latin profiteri, ‘to acknowledge before’. • People began to profess skill to others, and vow to perform their trade to the highest known standard. • Should circuit stewards aim to be professional? Circuit Stewards' Induction Training – Module 3 12

Pastoral care scenarios • A retired superintendent worships at a local church where he did not have pastoral responsibility and is asked by a local ecumenical group to take on a small but high profile role. The new superintendent appears to find this difficult. • A minister in your circuit announces that she is pregnant. • For the first time ever a probationer is to be appointed to your circuit. Circuit Stewards' Induction Training – Module 3 13

Pastoral care scenarios • Your minister tells you that his elderly mother has been rushed into hospital. • A single, experienced minister is to be appointed to your circuit but you know that she is unfamiliar with the area and has no ties to people locally. • Your minister confides that he is overwhelmed with the amount of work and feels isolated. He says he doesn’t know where to turn and is starting to lose sleep. Circuit Stewards' Induction Training – Module 3 14

Next module: Continuing to learn Module 4 will be exploring: • Why ongoing learning and development is important and how this is best done in community. • Different models for being a learning community, including making meetings work. • The importance of reflective practice. Circuit Stewards' Induction Training – Module 3 15