When we first introduced "Peacemaking Without Division" in workshops, we usually presented the underlying theory to participants after moving through the following five steps:

• Exploring hopes and fears;
  
• Telling personal stories;
  
• Doing Bible study;
  
• Using denominational resources; and
  
• Applying conflict management tools.

We found explaining the theory after the experience to be the most effective educational approach. However, in some settings—with low trust levels or with limited time—we shared the theory first and then asked people to participate in some brief structured experiences. The developmental theory is presented here with examples related to the peace issue, but the general theory is applicable to many issues. As presented, the theory is a skeleton, a simplification in which you may recognize human development theory from Piaget, Erikson, Kohlberg, Gilligan, Fowler, Kegan, and others.

To simplify that research, we might think of four general styles or levels of awareness that build on one another: Feelings, Story, Community, Ideas.