Gary Sweeten shares how his small-town, collaborative schooling and cross-denominational Christian upbringing shaped his lifelong focus on relationships, education, and gentle, grace-filled ministry. He describes a pivotal call to serve Christ that led him into higher education leadership and counseling, including opening a house church for troubled university students in 1970. Sweeten explains that change happens through person-centered listening rather than confrontation, and he highlights the importance of addressing shame as well as guilt across cultures, drawing on his ministry in Scandinavia and beyond. He outlines “Relational Peace” as blessing others with shalom, teaching practical skills such as GREW (genuine concern, respect, empathic understanding, warmth) and renewing the mind (Romans 12:2), urging churches to move beyond a medical model, equip laypeople (Ephesians 4), and become healing communities.
For more information go to
77. The Essence of Relational Peace: A Journey in Faith, Education and Community on the Lausanne Movement website or on
youtube.
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This product was added to our catalog on Monday 27 April, 2026.
