Conflict can strengthen our connection to one another.
Christians face intense disagreements, which often lead to polarization and division. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Conflict can be an opportunity to build deeper relationships with God and each other. There is a way to harness the energy of conflict — for love. The Colossian Forum works with people to cultivate connection across difference. We teach leaders how to proactively identify and lean into potential areas of conflict and how to better care for people when conflict arises.
A little hope in your inbox.
Our newsletter is created with you in mind. Every newsletter delivers a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and an encouragement. We’ll also keep you in the loop on new programs, events, and resources.
Have a question or a suggestion for the newsletter or about The Colossian Forum? Email us at info@colossianforum.org.Conflict isn’t going anywhere. And the world is watching. This work can’t wait.
100%
of people surveyed think the average pastor doesn’t teach enough about conflict
Barna Group, 2023
$571,624
the total estimated annual cost of conflict for a church with 20 staff
85%
of people stopped talking to a close friend or family member after the 2016 election
Barna Group, 2023
The very things that drive us apart could bring us together. We’ll show you how.
The Colossian Forum provides individuals, groups, and organizations a variety of entry points and levels of support to lean into conflict, and deepen relationships. The outcome? People experience an increase in Christian virtues even in the midst of disagreements.
Small Group Materials
One Anothering and The Colossian Way discussion guides help groups talk about a specific polarizing topic (like politics). Together, groups experience moments that deepen love for God and for one another.
Organizational Workshops
We can help you transform your organization's conflict culture by developing mindsets and practices for lasting change. From two-hour to two-day engagements, we offer wise ways forward based on your organization's needs.
Coaching
Engaging division can’t be done alone. We offer coaching to equip leaders with practices that invite Christians into deeper relationships in their community, thereby increasing the spiritual health of individuals and organizations.
Practicing Hope Podcast
Practicing Hope is a podcast for Christians looking for honest conversations about the brokenness and beauty in the world. You'll learn about peacemaking, transformation, and new ways to practice hope.
Speaker Opportunities
We welcome the opportunity to speak to your church, school, or organization. We’ve led adult education, school chapels, conference keynotes, and everything in between.
Our Latest Thinking
Discover the latest on Christian Conflict Transformation. We share case studies, research that informs our programs, and practical resources for you to use in your everyday life.
WayFinder gives you a way to hold deep love and disagreement at the same time.
WayFinder is our core methodology that helps Christians reflect Christ’s example, especially in times of conflict.
WayFinder draws on the deep well of Christian tradition to do something quite extraordinary — align your core desires with the heart of Jesus. It isn’t simple or easy. WayFinder opens up new ways of understanding, new habits, and evidence-based practices that invite the Holy Spirit to work. Our hearts are re-shaped to love people in the ways that Jesus loves people.
To grow in our capacity to love like Jesus, we need new structures and tools. WayFinder introduces people and organizations to new language, best practices, and suggestions for how to navigate differences together.
It’s hard work, but it works.
The Colossian Forum has absolutely transformed my life. Their biblical and Godly approach to being involved in conflict has given me powerful resources to enter into difficult conversations with an attitude of curiosity and loving kindness where it didn’t exist before.
Dan Dobler, a beneficiary of The Colossian Forum
When I feel apathetic about a meeting or decision, I usually assume I don’t care or don’t have an opinion. But now, after my WayFinder training with The Colossian Forum, I’m learning to dive deeper. I ask myself, "Why am I apathetic? How might I ask my team for support?" I get curious instead of distant.
Abby Young, WayFinder beneficiary
WayFinder helped me realize that just because a church doesn’t have any major scandals or obvious tensions, that doesn’t mean there isn’t conflict present. Because of the tools and practices I learned through WayFinder, I can better identify and bring under-the-surface tensions to the light in my congregation.
Pastor James Stokes, WayFinder beneficiary
Hundreds of organizations work with us to re-form their conflict cultures, including some churches in these denominations:
Your gift allows us to increase accessibility to this important work.
The Colossian Forum helps people have a new imagination for engaging conflict and growing stronger together. As a result of our work, communities develop healthier communication patterns, a deeper sense of belonging, and a greater focus on fulfilling their organizational purpose.
But this work comes at a cost.
Many of the organizations and churches we engage need financial support in order to do this work. With your help, The Colossian Forum can offer scholarship aid so more organizations can lean into conflict in a healthy way.
