Reflecting on Leading in Divided Times Workshop

"Equipping one person with the right tools can spark a ripple effect of healing and understanding in an entire community."

Hosting the "Leading in Divided Times" four-week workshop with One America Movement was an experience that left a lasting impact on me and, I hope, on our clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese of Maryland. As we approached a pivotal and contentious Presidential election, the workshop offered a sacred space for dialogue, reflection, and equipping leaders to navigate the fractures within their churches and communities.

Throughout those weeks, I was moved by the vulnerability, courage, and commitment shown by the participants. Many shared how transformative the sessions were for them. I received countless emails afterward, with clergy and lay leaders expressing gratitude for the tools and insights they gained. Some even wished for another gathering after the election results, recognizing the importance of continuing the conversation as the post-election realities unfolded.

One email stood out to me—a participant shared that they had printed out the “Strategies for Being an Ingroup Moderate” and were eager to teach these strategies to the leaders in their church. This simple yet profound moment reminded me of how equipping one person with the right tools can spark a ripple effect of healing and understanding in an entire community.

Another participant wrote that they felt more prepared to address and manage the inevitable divisions that would arise in their church and community after the election. Stories like these filled me with hope and affirmed the vital role we have as bridge builders in a time when division feels overwhelming.

The workshop also served as a platform to share the articles, stories, and strategies that One America Movement has graciously provided. Many participants shared these resources with their congregations on Sunday mornings or included them in newsletters, extending the reach of this work far beyond our weekly gatherings.

For me, these four weeks were an opportunity to embody and share the excitement, joy, and tools that One America Movement continues to instill in me. It reinforced my calling to live out my role as a bridge builder, not just in the church but in every sphere of influence.

As I reflect on this experience, I am filled with gratitude for the way God worked through these sessions to equip and inspire us to lead boldly and compassionately in divided times. The work is far from over, but together, we are building bridges that can withstand the storms of division, grounded in love, grace, and a shared commitment to reconciliation.

The Rev. Randy K. Callender, Diocese of Maryland Canon for Mission.