Our Practice of Non-violent Communication (sometimes called Compassionate Communication or Compassionate Action):

Rev. Jason is in the candidate process to become a NVC certified instructor, which requires 50 days of training under a certified instructor as well as work with a NVC Assessor.

Rev. Jason utilizes non-violent communication in our work at Disciples Christian Church. It is a philosophy grounded in similar values as those espoused by Jesus, Gandhi, Rev. Howard Thurman, Rev. Dr. King Jr., Dorothy Day, Tik Nat Han, and Brene Brown, among others.

It is a practice of observing without evaluation or judgement, paying attention to our needs as well as the needs of others, getting curious about and connecting with the needs behind those feelings, and ultimately finding the practice to invite our needs to be met (either by others or self-empathy) and meeting other’s needs.

At DCC, what this looks like is authentic connection with one-another with as little judgement as possible, where we seek to see beyond words and actions that we might not like, and pay attention to what they are feeling and needing. This is a practice of connection and deep empathy.

Rev. Jason uses NVC in his preaching, leadership and pastoral care. He occasionally offers workshops on Foundations of NVC and empathy circles (which he believes to be a spiritual practice of profound listening, presence, self-expression and healing).

About NVC:

The Center for Nonviolent Communication describes NVC:

“Nonviolent Communication is based on the principle of Ahimsa — the natural state of compassion when no violence is present in the heart." ~ Marshall Rosenberg, founder of NVC

The purpose of Nonviolent Communication is to fully value everyone's well being, and to create a certain quality of connection where everyone’s needs can be met through natural giving. Learn more about the principles and the process of NVC.”

The Center for Compassionate Communication of Ohio: www.nvcohio.org