Appreciative Inquiry Training to Further Equip Churches
In October, staff from Diaconal Ministries Canada (DMC) and the Christian Reformed Church in North America participated in an Indigenous-led Appreciative Inquiry training called Indigenous Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD).
Appreciative Inquiry is a strengths-based approach to organizational change and problem solving that focuses on identifying and building on what works well. This initiative aims to strengthen the ability of staff to support Christian Reformed churches across Canada as they engage in community ministry. In particular, this framework will support reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities.
The training, facilitated by Indigenous theologians and Appreciative Inquiry practitioners Terry and Matt LeBlanc, was rooted in Indigenous perspectives on community development and relational theology. Participants included DMC’s Western Canada regional ministry developer, Rachel Vroege, and the CRC’s senior leader for Indigenous justice and reconciliation, Adrian Jacobs, as well as staff from Urban Indigenous Ministry Centres and members of the Canadian Justice Ministry Team.
Rachel Vroege said the training offered invaluable insights. “Engagement with Indigenous communities starts with a shift in our theological mindset,” she reflected. “There is much to learn from Indigenous theological thinkers, who are deeply rooted in traditional stories and practices of right relationship with ourselves, others, God, and creation. Embracing Indigenous wisdom as the gift it is brings healing and moves us toward reconciliation.”
The training also incorporated Indigenous protocols, which modeled approaches to fostering respectful and reciprocal relationships. Participants explored how to identify community strengths through storytelling rather than through question-based assessments.
This training builds on DMC’s long-standing use of ABCD as they train and equip deacons and congregations. Recently Vroege completed certification in ABCD facilitation through the Coady Institute, and she said that inspired her to explore the methodology further from an Indigenous perspective.
The timing of this training was also important as The Lantern, a CRC church in Calgary, Alta., whose leaders also participated in the event, recently became a partner with DMC’s NewGround program. This framework will be used to support an initiative at The Lantern called "Walk with We" to help the congregation become more integrated with some of the Indigenous-focused ministries it runs or supports. This includes a sober drumming group, Bible study, and the Calgary Reconciliation Walk.
Adrian Jacobs praised the practical benefits of Appreciative Inquiry for ministry development. “This process builds on a positive foundation of experience and keeps storytelling at the heart of ministry work,” he said. “It helps Indigenous ministries remain rooted in natural, effective processes while avoiding unhelpful problem-solving approaches.”
The implications of this training extend far beyond individual ministries, Vroege noted. She said it equips DMC staff to offer deeper insights to their partners, enhancing relational connectedness and strengthening reconciliation efforts.
“This investment benefits churches looking to engage their communities in ways that align with biblical principles of shalom,” she said.
By integrating Indigenous theological and ethical frameworks into community ministry, CRC churches can foster relationships built on humility and reciprocity, Jacobs noted: “A stronger, more solidly rooted Indigenous ministry can continue to thrive in challenging urban contexts, improving the work for generations to come.”
This training marks a significant step in the CRC’s journey toward reconciliation and the staff goal of supporting meaningful community engagement between local churches and Indigenous communities.
