Appreciative Inquiry:

Grieving loss, Discerning hope, Building resilience.

2020 Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod Theological Conference

September 20-21, 2020

Our Facilitator:

Rev. Dr. Marjorie Funk-Pihl is the Assistant to the Bishop for Congregational Mission and Director for Evangelical Mission for the Southwest California Synod. Pastor Funk-Pihl’s Living the Resurrection project in the Southwest California Synod focused on expanding small congregations’ love for one another to include love for their neighbors using the process and principals of Appreciative Inquiry.

Our Theme:

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a model for self-determined change that is based on the simple assumption that every organization has something that works well, and that those strengths can be the starting point for creating change. AI searches for the best in people and organizations, helps us imagine how we might draw on that creatively and put it to work to do ministry in new and innovative ways. Through presentations, group discussion, breakouts and one on one conversations, this year’s conference will introduce us to the process and principals of AI. As we learn about AI we will think together about the challenges we face during this unique and challenging time in the life of our churches, our communities and our world.

Registration:

There is NO COST for this year’s Theological Conference! Everything will be done through Zoom. In order to get the link for the Zoom meeting, please email or call Ida at ida@arokoffice.org or 918-492-4288. We look forward to seeing you! The Registration deadline is Friday, September 11 for planning purposes.

Workshop Schedule

Sunday, September 20

7:00 – 8:30 PM Koinonia

• We will begin our evening together with a quiet prayer service as we prepare for our day of learning together. Following the service, we’ll have time to catch-up, enjoy some fellowship and relax together.

• Bring your own beverage and/or snacks.

Monday, September 21

9:30-10 Gathering and Welcome (And tech support if needed!)

10 – 12 Session One

• Devotion

• Initiate: Brief introduction to AI

• Inquire: One on one Interviews.

12-1:30 Lunch and respite (on your own).

1:30-2:00 Synod Sustainers Program Introduction

2:00-4:00 Session Two

• Imagine:

  • Poll/value voting on responses to each question.

  • Sharing stories from most valued responses (highest votes)

• Innovate

  • Possibility proposals

  • Steps to move from proposal to innovation to reflection and next steps.
    

• Wrap up

  • 4:00-4:30 Worship.