The Lenten season invites followers of Jesus into reflection, repentance, and renewal.  In a time when polarization so often shapes our relationships, neighborhoods, and even our churches, Lent offers a sacred opportunity to return to the way of peace.  Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matt 5:9), calling His people to embody reconciliation in a divided world.

Join us as we host Matthew 5:9 Fellowship (www.mathew59.org) for a special Lenten gathering on Christian peacemaking.  Through a series of interactive workshops, participants will explore how to faithfully engage polarization, transcend toxic division, and cultivate meaningful dialogue with neighbors and fellow believers.  Together we’ll discover what it means to walk the path of peace during this holy season.

This event will be held in the Sanctuary of Genesis Church of Fayetteville on Saturday, February 21st from 8:30AM – 2:00PM with lunch provided.  There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.  You can register by clicking here. For more information, contact Jody Farrell at jfarrell@genfay.com.   

Session Descriptions:

Peacemaking and Polarization

Jesus prayed that His church would be one, just as He and His Father are one. Yet Christians

today find themselves divided over many of the same political ideologies and social issues that

divide our nation at large. Instead of bearing with one another in love, many Christian laypeople

and leaders are seemingly intent on devouring one another instead. How have we become so

toxically polarized? How can Christians strive for unity particularly in politically heightened

times?

Transcending Political Polarization

Our God is the Creator of everything on the face of the earth - including politics. Like any

created thing, some of us make too much of it and find ourselves consumed with the latest

headlines coming out of Washington. Others think too little of it, struggling to imagine anything

good that can come from our divisive political system. How can we as Christians think about our

political identity, recognizing both our residence in the world and our citizenship in heaven?

How to Talk to Your Neighbor

When Jesus was asked to name the greatest commandment, He paired love for God with love

for neighbor. Yet amid today’s toxic polarization, even ordinary conversations can become

sources of conflict and distrust. As followers of Christ, we are called not only to speak truth but

to do so in love—seeking understanding rather than victory. This workshop will consider how

faithful dialogue can serve as an antidote to toxic polarization, offering practical ways to engage

difficult topics with truth, humility, empathy, and grace toward those around us.