A Model for Fostering Relational Growth by Using Appreciative Inquiry at New Life Adventist Church in Oshawa, Ontario

Abstract

This project introduced the Appreciative Inquiry process to the New Life Seventh-day Adventist Church in Oshawa for the purpose of fostering positive change towards increased loving relationships with one another. The objective was to deepen relationships and create a more united vision in Christ in a hardworking church that was very focused on tasks and programs but where growth had been limited. The project used Appreciative Inquiry, incorporating the Action Research cycle, and expressed it through a four-phased approach called Initiate, Inquire, Imagine and Innovate. Data collection tools involved interviews, collaborative inquiry group discussion and ethnographic observation. Through these research instruments, there was evidence of some positive change towards increased loving relationships with one another in the church and space created for discussion and exploration of a more united vision. There were also provocative proposals resulting from the process that have been implemented since the end of the project.