Welcome to Called to Lead: An Orthodox Christian Perspective. Demitri Fardelos and Mary Scott co-host this podcast with the help and support of their collaborators: His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, and the Strategic Planning Goal Team. This season discusses Orthodox Servant Leadership, diving into topics from understanding Christian Orthodox servant leadership to developing volunteer teams to ethical negotiation skills. 

In this episode, Fr. Dustin Lyon joins Demitri and Mary to discuss dealing with difficult situations and conflict resolution. Fr. Dustin and Presvytera Nicki are currently at Twelve Holy Apostles Orthodox Church. Fr. Dustin is no stranger to difficult situations. He's dealt with a church roof collapse, the selling and buying of church property, a major renovation, a church fire and restoration, and, on top of all this, a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. Of course, each of these situations produced conflict, but Fr. Dustin discusses how he has navigated situations like these. 

Conflict is a part of life—it’s something everyone grows up with. It starts during childhood, but even as adults, it can be difficult to not let anger get the better of a person. “I’m right and you’re wrong” will not resolve any conflict. Conflict is difficult when it happens between parishioners, and everyone wants to avoid hurt feelings or someone leaving the church due to conflict. This episode allows the listener an opportunity to better handle conflict and difficult situations. Developing these skills will help leaders in the parish, community, and workplace.

Featured Speakers: 

• Father Dustin Lyon, Proistamenos, Twelve Holy Apostles Orthodox Church
• Co-hosts Demitri Fardelos and Mary Scott

Read this episode's recap over on the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago's website: 

This podcast is a part of the Called to Lead: An Orthodox Christian Perspective series from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago.