Bishop Sally Dyck
Bishop Sally Dyck, now of the Chicago Area, published a white paper on behalf of The United Methodist Church entitled “Eight Principles of Holy Conferencing: A Study Guide for Churches and Groups.” Here they are with accompanying Scripture verses.
PRINCIPLES of Holy Conferencing
- Every Person is a Child of God
If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.” (I John 4:20-21, The Message) - Listen Before Speaking
“Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with.” (Romans 14:1, The Message) - Strive to Understand from Another’s Point of View
“He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross.” (Philemon 2:8, NRSV) - Strive to Reflect Accurately the Views of Others
I tell you, on the Day of Judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37, NRSV) - Disagree without Being Disagreeable
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2a, NRSV) - Speak About Issues; Do Not Defame People
“The simple moral fact is that words kill.” (Matthew 5:22, The Message) - Pray, in Silence or Aloud, Before Decisions
“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:28, NIV) - Let Prayer Interrupt Your Busy-Ness
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NASB)
You can download the entire study guide here.
~Sherry Vineyard
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