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Conflict Is Inevitable, Division Is a Choice — Nina Barnes
Manage episode 474904698 series 3522359
Conflict can strengthen relationships—if handled well. Nina Barnes shares why avoiding conflict causes more harm, how to tell the truth with kindness (not just niceness!), and why “agreeing to disagree” isn’t always the answer. Learn strategies for turning conflict into deeper connection.
This episode kicks off the newly relaunched Mending Divides Podcast, where Dr. Jer Swigart has unfiltered conversations about conflict—what it is, why it matters, and how to navigate it well—with those who think deeply about it.
Chapters
01:00 Start
01:34 Conflict is inevitable
04:43 Conflict styles
06:36 Conflict as an opportunity
09:15 Suspicion in the Absence of Conflict
10:53 Conflict is modeled for us
15:48 Nina’s Direct Conflict Style
16:50 Niceness vs. Kindness
21:17 Truth-telling with Kindness: What’s the Goal?
26:30 Getting Practical - How to do this
32:54 Agree to Disagree?
36:56 Dehumanization is “the line”
42:53 A Real Life Story
50:56 Invitations
58:32 Closing
Guest bio: Nina Barnes
Nina Barnes is a Spiritual Director, the Founder of Transforming Journey, and a featured faculty member of Global Immersion’s Leadership Cohort. She is a seasoned leader who spends her life accompanying Reconciling Leaders as they grow their cultural awareness, resilience, and prophetic witness.
Mentioned in this episode:
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Repairers of the Breach June 24-27, 2025 "Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in." (Isaiah 58:12) In the face of division, apathy, anger and violence, how do we as Christian leaders not grow weary? How do we remain awake to all that feels broken in our congregations, communities and world? How do we hold tension between the urgency of change and the slow pace of transformation? How do we nurture faith communities that restore hope and peace? Join us in June to explore these questions and more. Together, we will: Enjoy deep, formational worship experiences Process this cultural moment in community with other pastors Nurture our spiritual health and rest Discern where God is calling us now
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