The Little Book of Dialogue for Difficult Subjects: A Practical, Hands-On Guide (Book)
Lisa Schirch, David Campt, Authors.  Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2007.

Lisa Schirch and David Campt offer a step-by-step process for organizing, designing, facilitating, and assessing the effectiveness of dialogue on controversial issues—including homosexuality, abortion, or divorce. "Dialogue can help a congregation discern both the different sets of experiences and expressions of faith that divide them, as well as assess the unity or common ground that exists."

This ninety-page book distinguishes dialogue from other types of discourse, such as discussion, training, or debate. Essentially, it defines dialogue as "respectful listening, learning, and sharing of experiences that shape our beliefs."

Early chapters discuss how dialogue works and when it is useful at individual and community levels. Fundamentally, a dialogue process is useful when there are diverse experiences in the group, when no immediate decisions need to be made, and when there is relatively balanced power. These chapters also describe different types of dialogue, from one-time, informal dialogue to large-scale dialogue. The appendix includes two tools for moving through a difficult sustained dialogue.

The meat of the book, in chapter 5 ("Designing a Dialogue Process"), poses questions for moving the process into fruitful territory for each phase: "Establishing Common Intentions and Norms," "Sharing Experiences and Perceptions," "Exploring Diversity and Commonalities," and "Exploring Possibilities for Action."

The importance of good facilitation is emphasized throughout. While chapter 6 explains the characteristics of a good facilitator, unfortunately there is no guidance on how to choose one—the only shortcoming in an otherwise excellent book that will be highly useful to congregational educators and leaders.

Average Customer Rating: Not yet rated
Rate this resource and share your thoughts.

Return to category listing