Can we talk politics at church? With people who think like us? With those who are different?
Definitely not in an election year, right?
Christ’s call to love one another often feels like a call to minimizing conflict—and by extension, difference. But what if conflict has something to teach us? The Colossian Forum has spent over a decade exploring conflict within Christian communities as a call to love God and love our neighbors.
Our church’s DEI Ministry is proud to offer a six-session, small group opportunity using a Colossian Forum curriculum centered on political dialog. Facilitated by Pastor Philip and Charon Hannink, this group will explore and model Christ-centered forms of engagement around political ideology and conflict.
The group will meet on Sundays from 3-5pm on the following dates:
- March 24
- April 7
- April 21
- May 5
- May 19
- June 2
There are many goals for this program. Changing anyone’s mind about politics isn’t one of them. This group process is designed to allow for authentic relationships that will bear witness to a better way through conflict. There is a real opportunity to practice Christian virtues like empathy, curiosity, and to learn skills of how to speak about political passions without threatening or alienating others.
Our pilot program has ten spots available, and the group will be selected to be balanced by political affiliation, gender, and age. Confidentiality within the group will be assured. Not everyone will agree—maybe ever—but steamrolling, monopolizing, or shaming others will not be allowed. Each session will include connection, unity, engagement, and reflecting praises and laments to God in prayer.
If you are drawn to this opportunity, please submit an application by March 15th.
Submitting an application is understood as a commitment to attend at least five of the six sessions, if you are selected. Please hold these dates and times for this opportunity until you hear if you will be able to participate in the pilot. Completing brief, periodic assessments will also be expected for participation in the pilot program.
