Facilitators (Clockwise from top left): Jim Amstutz, Michelle Armster, Sue Park-Hur and Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz.
Mennonite Church USA is teaming up with The Shalom Collaboratory at Eastern Mennonite Seminary and Mennonite Central Committee Central States to launch a new training initiative featuring regional, in-person workshops on conflict transformation. The first training session, titled “Practicing Conflict Transformation in Community,” will be held March 12-14, 2026, at Village Church in Beaverton, Oregon.
“In a time when polarization and harm are being met with punishment and avoidance, this training provides ways to hold space for truth and accountability,” said Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, MC USA denominational minister for Peace and Justice. “These are essential for rebuilding trust in our relationships with one another and for building the community to which Jesus calls us.”
The workshop will equip individuals and teams with the tools they need to navigate conflicts and respond to harms with clarity and compassion.
“Conflict transformation takes practice, and we learn it best together,” said Sue Park-Hur, MC USA’s director for Racial/Ethnic Engagement. “Whether you are a community leader, an educator, a faith leader or simply someone yearning for healthier relationships, you’ll find this training both practical and deeply encouraging.”
The training will offer practical strategies that can be applied in real-life situations. Through interactive sessions, real-world scenarios and reflective practice, participants will learn how to transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and positive change.
Workshop facilitators are:
- Jim Amstutz, retired MC USA pastor and educator
- Michelle Armster, executive director, MCC Central States
- Sue Park-Hur, director of racial/ethnic engagement, MC USA
- Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, denominational minister for peace and justice, MC USA
Registration is $350 per person, which includes lunch on Friday and Saturday.
Space is limited, so register early. Register here: https://mcusa.formstack.com/forms/conflict_transformation_2026
Written by Camille Dager.