We hope we all will have the peace of God leading our way. That said, we know there are times feelings get hurt due to misunderstandings. Settle quarrels using Matthew 18 principles and the PERPL guidelines. And also, THINK.

Matthew 18 says… “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens and pays attention to you, you have won back your brother. But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two others, so that every word may be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile (unbeliever) and a tax collector.”

PERPL guidelines mean that if an issue is Political, Emotional or Explosive, Religious, Personal, or Legal, you agree to find resolution face-to-face. If that is not possible, the next best solution is on FaceTime, Zoom or another video platform. If that is not possible, a phone call will be used. PERPL issues will not be addressed via text message, messenger, a text messaging app, or via email where voice tone cannot be perceived. It is best to sit on a topic for 24-48 hours before addressing it.

Please always “THINK” before correcting another parent. Ask yourself if a comment is True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind.

Phase 1, direct resolution. First, pray. Ask God to tell you the truth of a situation, and show you the other person’s perspective. Think about what you could have done differently. Separate facts from opinions. Follow the PERPL and THINK guidelines outlined above. Go directly to the person you need unity and harmony with and try to explain what happened. 

Phase 2, mediation. If Phase 1 was not effective, seek a co-op leader and ask for a mediation. If your particular challenge is with a co-op leader, please seek the other co-op leader for help in escalation. Mediation will always begin with prayer and self-examination with a co-op leader for both parties. You may need additional meetings to work out complicated situations. We sincerely hope this can be avoided.

Failure to follow these conflict resolution guidelines may result in your participation in this Co-Op being revoked.