03/04/03 - Reinhardt Ministerial Association Seminar on Conflict Management Generates Enthusiastic Response

The second annual Reinhardt Ministerial Association, RMA, Seminar attracted 79 conference attendees from across North Georgia to Reinhardt's main campus in Waleska, Ga.  The topic, "Survival Tactics for Managing Conflict," brought together church personnel from 57 United Methodist churches, as well as a number of community members and even a local judge, Kip McVay, to hear words of wisdom from Dalton, Ga., District Superintendent for the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Rev. Dr. James Mooneyhan.

Brian Clark, RMA president and pastor of Royston First United Methodist Church, said the seminar made him much assured about handling disagreements and differing opinions.

"Dr. Mooneyhan not only informed the seminar participants on the sources of conflict, but he also provided us with realistic methods of managing conflict," Clark said. "I personally came away from the seminar confident I can manage conflict in a way that leads to constructive outcomes for everyone involved. I appreciate Dr. Mooneyhan's thorough research, candid delivery of information, and positive attitude concerning a reality that every person encounters both inside and outside of church life."

Reinhardt Development Associate James F. Jernigan was very pleased with the turnout. "We doubled our attendance over last year," he said, "and with the Bishop and his Cabinet's blessing, we intend to make this type of seminar an annual event. We hope to continue to select topics that we can explore as a supplement to the information covered in formal seminary training."

Jernigan said the event also introduced numerous resources offered by Reinhardt to the church community. "Our visitors learned about what a great destination the Funk Heritage Center and Gordy Center are for a church group, especially when the visit is coordinated with the College's fine arts, religious or student programming. They also learned about the College's musical groups which can be invited to perform in local churches." Jernigan also publicized the Hagan Scholarship for qualified United Methodist students or dependents of United Methodist preachers.

RMA officers have already begun brainstorming ideas for the spring 2004 Seminar. In addition to planning and publicizing the annual educational seminar, the RMA advises and supports the College chaplain and campus ministry programs and needs; seeks to influence Reinhardt College policies, programs and academics in a way that promotes Christian values; encourages potential students to attend Reinhardt and cultivates support for the institution.

For more information about the organization, please contact Jernigan at 770-720-5915.

For more information

Office of Marketing and Communications, top floor of Burgess Administration Building

media relations Lauren Thomas (770) 720-5514 LHT@reinhardt.edu
marketing Marsha White (770) 720-5512  MSW@reinhardt.edu
graphic design Amanda Brown (770) 720-5907 ALB@reinhardt.edu