Conflict Management for Innovators

Workshop for The Leader’s Way Fellows, Open to the Public
December 9, 2025, Noon–2 pm Eastern Time 
Conflict Management for Innovators
Ryan Dunlap 
 
Innovation in ministry often disrupts the status quo, creating resistance rooted in fear, uncertainty, or a sense of loss. This workshop will equip church leaders with the skills to transform conflict into collaboration, helping individuals and teams move from actively resistant to active participants in innovation. Rooted in a spirit of radical love and faith, this program empowers leaders to lead with wisdom and compassion, transforming resistance into collective action that drives meaningful innovation and lasting ministry impact. 
 
Participants will explore: 

• Understanding Resistance: Discover the emotional and practical barriers that hinder innovation and change and learn to address them well. 
• Clarifying Roles and Impact: Leaders will see their place in the vision and the value of their contributions to the innovation process. 
• Creating Safe Spaces: Build trust and psychological safety to foster open dialogue and shared ownership of new practices. 
• Transformative Communication: Learn how to frame change in a way that inspires hope, aligns with Gospel principles, and encourages engagement. 

About the instructor:  

Ryan Dunlap is a former SVU Detective, SWAT Hostage Negotiator, and Crisis Intervention Officer who has facilitated hundreds of high-stakes interviews, interrogations, and negotiations. As a Certified DCJS Instructor and Field Training Officer, Ryan has developed and facilitated training and development programs for hundreds of law enforcement personnel. Following a decorated law enforcement career, Ryan went on to serve as the Pastor and Executive Director of Operations for Victory Church in Atlanta, Georgia, overseeing a $20M operations budget while leading operational readiness and enterprise-wide alignment of teams, processes, and systems during an organizational restructure following the succession of the founding leaders. Following his time at Victory, Ryan went on to serve as the Executive Director of a faith-based anti-human-trafficking organization, Street Grace, for the state of Tennessee, driving statewide expansion and leading the overall strategy and execution of all statewide operations. Ryan simultaneously served as the Executive Pastor of Leadership and Development at City Light Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee.