Session Four transitions from theory to practice by instructing participants to form groups, select one of ten specific conflict scenarios, and use the "Everyday Peacemakers" worksheets to assess the conflict's scope before role-playing a resolution. The instructions guide the groups to map their dialogue using the "GO Conversation Framework," which consists of four steps: Plan and Name, Be Curious and Listen, Share Your Perspective, and Resolve the Issue. In the audio Deep Dive, the hosts simulate this workshop dynamic by improvising a scenario regarding chronic lateness between ministry partners. They explicitly model the "Assessment" phase by identifying how the conflict had spread from a logistical annoyance to a character judgment, and then execute the "GO" framework to reveal that the root cause was a lack of trust in the meeting's value, ultimately resolving the conflict through structural change rather than simple behavioral correction.

Session Three completed the discussion of the "GO" Conversation framework, covering 3. Share your opinion, 4. Resolve the Issue, and 5. GO get help. When sharing an opinion, individuals are encouraged to watch their tone and attitude, and focus on communicating objective facts about what the person did (behavior, words, actions) rather than making assumptions about who they are (guessing motives, mind-reading). Throughout the process, the Conversation Temperature must be monitored to ensure it stays in the "green zone" to facilitate connection. If the conflict cannot be resolved and exhibits destructive patterns such as DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender), Step 5 is triggered, necessitating help from unbiased peacemakers. Resolution (reconciliation) is achieved through the "Own, Offer, Needs" structure, where parties take OWNership, make an OFFER to make it right, and ask what else the wronged party NEEDS for restoration, a model exemplified by Zacchaeus. Reconciliation, though difficult, is the ultimate goal, mirroring God's commitment to reconciling humanity to Himself.

Session Two introduced the first steps of the "GO" Conversation framework for conflict resolution, derived from Matthew 18:15 ("GO and point out their fault"). The framework aims for a win/win/win resolution that honors God. The session focused on the initial steps: 1. Plan & Name the Issue (Sin) and 2. Be Curious & Listen to them. Planning involves answering reporter questions (Who, What, When, Where, How, Why) and being specific in naming the issue, using biblical language. It is also essential to determine the sphere of conflict (such as Intra-Personal or Inter-Personal) and the extent of its escalation (Stage 1 to Stage 6). The importance of listening goes beyond just facts and feelings to include understanding the other person's identity, values, beliefs, and interests, as people often miss the full story in conflict.

Session One introduced the concept of the "Everyday Peacemaker," emphasizing that conflict is natural but can be either constructive or destructive, making one's response to conflict key. The discussion defined three main conflict behaviors—Peace-Breaking, Peace-Faking, and Peacemaking—and provided examples of each from biblical figures. Peace-breaking involves escalating conflict and seeking to win, while peace-faking consists in avoiding conflict and compromising the truth for superficial harmony. The session emphasized that true peacemaking is ultimately about honoring God and reflecting Christ rather than winning or losing. An activity called "Connect Hands" was used to illustrate the natural human tendency toward competition and the mindset of winning in conflict.

This episode delves into Shalom Elohim (Peace with God), which is identified as the foremost pillar and cornerstone of comprehensive well-being and harmony. We explore Jesus' invitation for a profound and intimate communion, or Shalom, found in John 14:23-27, which is rooted in loving Him and obeying His teachings. The discussion confronts how modern cultural views often misunderstand obedience, associating it with oppressive power dynamics and a loss of autonomy. We examine common obstacles that hinder true Shalom Elohim, such as treating God like a "Genie in a lamp"—invoking Him only during personal crises while neglecting responsibility—or engaging in faith superficially, where actions lack sincerity and are treated as mere consumption or routine. To overcome these challenges, the episode offers a deeper understanding of obedience as "walking with God," a transformative and dynamic journey of growth and progression, where one learns to align their life with God’s word step by step, recognizing that genuine Shalom with God requires maintaining Shalom (peace) with others.

This inspiring episode, "Shalom Qahal: Peace in the Church Part One," invites us to rediscover the profound meaning of the church as a "called-out community" and a "visible representation of the Kingdom of Heaven". Far from just a building, the church is a "hidden treasure more valuable than anything any man could possibly own," designed by God to be a "nation of peace and a light to others," reflecting the justice, peace, love, joy, and unity the world desperately seeks. While Jesus's "Parable of the Weeds" acknowledges the challenge of "darnel" — behaviors like hatred, discord, jealousy, and selfish ambition that subtly disrupt this divine peace — this podcast empowers us to look inward. It offers practical insights, like "Alton's 90/10 Rule" for fostering connection, and calls us to examine ourselves and proactively correct these "weed behaviors". The ultimate takeaway is an empowering call to action: "Don't be a Darnel," but instead, cultivate shalom and actively contribute to a church community that truly embodies God's vision of peace and unity.

The SCUAD lesson, "Who Is Leading You: The World or the Spirit," explores the ongoing tension between worldly influences and spiritual guidance. It outlines how global conflicts, societal divisions, and various media tactics, including appeals to similarity and the vilification of opponents, can draw individuals away from God's truth and into turmoil. A primary tool introduced is biblical introspection, a process of self-examination guided by scripture that encourages individuals to challenge their ingrained biases, reflect on negative behaviors, and align their thoughts and actions with God's will. This practice aims to foster personal growth and transform one's mindset, enabling more respectful interactions within the community and focusing on building a unified "kingdom within the world" rather than being consumed by external disagreements.

Courageous Conversations are defined as uncomfortable discussions concerning deeply held personal beliefs related to topics like race, gender, culture, or justice, requiring vulnerability, openness to sharing experiences, and humility in listening to others. They are uncomfortable because they expose personal values and challenge assumptions underlying actions and views. The purpose of these conversations is to create safe spaces to "see" one another, understand triumphs and tragedies, and deepen one's perspective of others, aiming to love each other as God loves us. The lesson emphasizes three core pillars: Courageous Listening, which is the most important skill, focusing on being "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," with the primary goal of understanding without rushing to agree or disagree; Courageous Cultural Humility, which encourages valuing others above oneself, stepping outside comfort zones to view the world from another's perspective, much like Christ humbled himself to understand humanity; and Courageous Faith in Action, stressing that faith is not merely listening and learning, but putting that knowledge into deeds and advocating for others in daily life, demonstrating peace between people.

In this powerful lesson from the SCUAD Shalom series, we explore "Shalom Bayit" - Peace with Family. This is the third pillar in the series, following peace with God and peace with oneself. The lesson uses the biblical story of Jacob and his family, particularly Joseph, as a lens to understand common barriers to peace within families and how to overcome them.

The lesson identifies three key barriers to shalom in families:

• Control: Projecting our own fears and values onto others.
• Expectations: The demands or hopes placed on us by others.
• Avoidance: The tension created when we feel hurt, often linked to a lack of vulnerability.

Drawing on Jacob's family tree, which starts with Rebecca and Isaac (first generation), includes Jacob and Esau (second generation), and extends to Jacob's children (third generation), the lesson illustrates how these barriers manifest across generations.

This Squad lesson is focused on the Serenity Prayer as a tool for achieving inner peace. The group discusses the prayer line by line, relating each section to biblical passages and personal experiences of overcoming hardship. SCUAD Members share their struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to God's will and finding joy amidst life's imperfections. The overall message centers on finding peace with oneself through faith and spiritual practices.

Companion Document: https://nova-scuad.craft.me/yEw7hRZCCepxBG