Manifesting the Image of God:
In the Face of Criticism and Complaint

Appreciative Strategies for Creating and Sustaining a Grace-Filled Self-Image in the Face of Criticism and Complaint.

Ministry is tough. Every Sunday pastors lay themselves open to public critique. Often well intentioned parishioners offer "constructive criticism" that deconstructs and demoralizes rather than inspires and facilitates improved performance. In the face of complaints avoidance and denial are unhelpful. Arguing with critics is life-sapping. Unsubstantiated assertions of competence or being overwhelmed by a sense of failure can leave the person with delusions of grandeur or despair and ill-equipped to respond creatively and compassionately to their parishioners.

The Image of God. Despite much evidence to the contrary, within each one of us is the image of God that God created us to be. Discovering and manifesting this authentic God given self, won't eliminate criticism, but will equip the leader to maintain their integrity and competence in the midst of the complaint.

Learning Objectives

In this day-long experiential workshop participants will:

• Use appreciative inquiry to discover the image of God that God created them to be.
• Learn how to positively use criticism without being defensive or devastated.
• Create a robust self-image that is authentic, reflective, reliable, and responsive to others.

Day-Long Schedule

• 9:00 a.m.  Introduction to the Appreciative Way
• 9:45 a.m.  Discovering your best self
• 10:30 a.m. Break
• 10:45 a.m. Discovering the image of God that you already are
• 12:00 p.m. Lunch
• 1:00 p.m.  Growing a reliable, realistic self-image
• 2:45 p.m.  Break
• 3:00 p.m.  Learning from criticism
• 3:30 p.m.  Integrating our best and worst selves
• 4:00 p.m.  Manifesting the Image of God
• 4:30 p.m.  Conclusion and Evaluation

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for:

• Church leaders, Lay and ordained
• Coaches and counselors who work with clergy

About the Presenter: Robert J. Voyle, Psy.D.

Dr. Rob Voyle is an Episcopal priest, executive coach, licensed psychologist, and mechanical engineer. He has a doctorate in clinical psychology and degrees in theology and mechanical engineering. Rob is the Director of the Clergy Leadership Institute and is an international leader in the area of appreciative inquiry training for clergy, coaches, and church leaders.

Rob is the principal author of Core Elements of the Appreciative Way, An Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry for Daily Living and Yes!³ Creating a life in which you can say Yes! to God, Yes! to your neighbor, and Yes! to yourself.

The Appreciative Way is Rob's blend of Appreciative Inquiry, Contemplative Spirituality and the change work of Milton Erickson. The "appreciative way" contrasts many of the "pathology reducing" or "problem solving" approaches to personal and organizational development which, while engaged in with positive intention, often result in negative spirals of enfeeblement rather liberating generative solutions.

Rob's purpose in life is to be "helpful, humorous and healing." He brings heart, wit, and passion to his training and presentations. He is a gifted storyteller and has a penchant for mischievously confronting learners with new insights that are both affirming and liberating.

Program Formats

In addition to a day long format this program can be adapted as a series of presentations over several days or offered in a brief, one hour introductory format.

To schedule this program please contact Rob Voyle.