Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry

This is our foundational appreciative inquiry program that introduces people not only to Appreciative Inquiry but also to the Appreciative Way. All of our other programs are built on the philosophy and practice of appreciative inquiry.

In this three day workshop participants will:

• Gain an in depth understanding of Appreciative Inquiry
• Conduct an appreciative inquiry into their own ministry
• Appreciatively review and develop your personal mission
• Learn practical appreciative tools to apply in your ministry
• Discover positive alternatives to viewing the church as dysfunctional
• Learn how to be an appreciative presence in the world

Because this program is a foundational program it is often presented in conjunction with other 2 1/2 day programs such as:

• Introduction to Appreciative Coach Training
• Introduction to Appreciative Interim Ministry (AIM)
• Clergy Search Process
• Soul Friending

Learning Objectives

• To provide participants with a basic understanding of the theory and research that under girds the process of Appreciative Inquiry. Specifically the emerging social constructionist paradigm and the power of positive questions and metaphors for enabling human transformation.
• To provide participants with strategies for implementing an Appreciative Inquiry process with themselves, others and congregations to enable innovative, creative personal and organizational change.
• To provide participants with ways of identifying appreciative processes in contrast to problem or pathology driven models of intervention and to use these appreciative processes to enhance personal and organizational effectiveness.

Continuing Education Credit

This program qualifies for 15 contact hours of continuing education credit.

>>  Continuing Education Programs

Who Should Attend This Program

Although this program is designed with clergy in mind, it would also be appropriate for anyone who can articulate and reflect psychologically and theologically on their ministry or vocation. It is especially relevant for:

• Clergy
• Non-ordained persons engaged in ministry
• Psychologists, Consultants and Counselors
  who are also clergy or who work with clergy and churches
• People who want to reflect theologically and psychologically on the work they do

Typical Workshop Schedule:

The following is a typical workshop schedule. The exact schedule may vary depending on location.

For each specific program a flyer with dates, schedule times, and continuing education hours can be found on the training schedule page.

Day 1:
9:00-12:00        Session 1: Discovering the best of what is.
12:00-1:30 pm   Lunch
1:30-3:00 pm     Session 2: Interviewing and story telling AI
3:30-4:00 pm     Walking Meditation and Reflection
4:00-5:00 pm     Session 3: Imagining what might be
    No Evening Program

Day 2:
9:00-12:00        Session 4: Imagining what might be
12:00-1:30 pm   Lunch
1:30-3:00 pm     Session 5: Designing what could be
3:30-4:00 pm     Walking Meditation and Reflection
4:00-5:00 pm     Session 6: Designing what could be
    Evening: Optional voluntary program: Introduction to Yes!³

Day 3:
9:00-12:00        Session 7: Delivering what will be
Some programs may have an additional afternoon session.

Check the program flyers on the training schedule page for specific program details.

Workshop Format

The workshop will typically be conducted in a retreat setting with:

• Didactic presentations
• Personal practice and experience of appreciative process
• Time for personal reflection and meditation
• Corporate prayer
• Opportunity for creative reflection on the past and anticipation of the future

Costs

In addition to the above 2.5 day program we occasionally offer a 3 and 4 day programs which includes opportunity for participants to create specific interventions or programs based on appreciative inquiry theory. Prices will depend on the nature of the program.

Specific times and costs of all programs may vary depending on the hosting organization. Please check the schedule and registration page for additional workshop specific information.

Accommodation

Accommodation and facility use fees are extra and are dependent on the training locations and will be specified on the registration forms. Meals between sessions are typically provided for commuters.

Registration for Workshop

To register for the workshop please go to the training schedule and select the registration button for the appropriate workshop. For additional information please contact Rob Voyle