Facilitating Discernment for an Organization | Ignite the Way
In the third episode of Ignite the Way – Discernment in Common, Françoise Uylenbroeck from Belgium shares her experience facilitating a discernment process for two pastoral units – one urban, one rural. The goal was to explore whether these already-grouped parishes could deepen their collaboration by sharing human resources and worship spaces.
Over three days, participants engaged in prayer, shared personal faith experiences, and used a SWOT analysis to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of regrouping. A historical timeline activity uncovered existing collaborations and helped build shared memories across the communities.
In the video, Uylenbroeck offers key advice for facilitators guiding organizational discernment processes:
• Prepare clear objectives so participants understand the purpose and scope.
• Choose neutral venues that don’t favour one group over another.
• Create a confidential environment where people feel safe expressing fears and difficulties openly.
Her insights provide practical guidance for anyone facilitating difficult conversations about the future of faith communities.
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