Learn how to approach troubled and troublesome people in your congregation in ways that are not dismissive but are caring, affirming, and grounded in God's grace. This online seminar is a study of Dr. Wayne Oates' book, The Care of Troublesome People. Dr. Oates combines family systems theory, insightful analysis of five types of behavior that often create conflict in churches, and biblically based approaches for dealing with such behavior in this practical guide for pastoral care givers.

This seminar provides the opportunity for participants to join in peer group dialogue around Dr. Oates observations to explore caring for people who are troublesome. Through this process the group benefits by learning from one another as well as from Dr. Oates writing.

The seminar readings will focus on:

• • The Care of the Circumferential or Back-Biting Person
  • The Care of the Authoritarian, Power-Ridden Person
  • The Care of the Competitive Divider of the Congregation
  • The Care of the Clinging Vine or Dependent Person
  • The Care of the Star Performer

Following this seminar, participants should be able to:

1. 1. View troublesome people within the organization or congregation from a family systems perspective; moving from a "blame-frame" approach into a shared responsibility approach.
   2. Recognize that withheld information within a system creates damaging secrets and to facilitate the free flow of information with the system.
   3. Recognize their own motives, temptations, and reactions in caring for troublesome parishioners.
   4. Differentiate some of the common types of troublesome people from the behavioral patterns exhibited.
   5. Develop caring approaches toward troublesome people rather than coping or "dealing with" approaches.

This seminar features the Oates Institute's Connected Learning approach and offers 12 contact hours of continuing education for ministers, counselors, chaplains, and social workers. To qualify for the CEUs participants are expected to read the presentations and participate in the email discussion by contributing at least 2 email messages per week. One message is to reflect on the presentations or case studies in light of one's personal experience and context and the second is to respond to someone else’s reflection or inquiry.

CEUs: 12 contact hours for chaplains, counselors, and pastors

Registration:

This seminar features the Oates Institute's Connected Learning approach and is limited to 12 participants. Members of the Oates Institute may register for free, others may register for only $90.

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