The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet their ordinary tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith from the frontline
My name is Linda Ward, and I’m an accredited mediator specialising in facilitative mediation. I’ve also just been commissioned to take on the leadership of Pioneer International on a part-time basis.
Facilitative mediation puts the power in the clients’ hands, helping them move forward rather than dwell on the past. I usually start with two hour-long sessions with clients to hear their backstory and help them prepare a negotiation map. Through careful listening and guided questioning, I encourage them to identify key issues and potential solutions. After these sessions, I bring the parties together for a plenary, which usually lasts between four and six hours, where clients initially share uninterrupted. The goal is a mutually agreed plan for cooperation that they can commit to, even if that involves parting ways amicably.
My clients come from many walks of life – divorcing couples, senior leaders in academia, academy trusts, child services and denominational leadership. Success is not just reaching an agreement but enabling people to feel empowered and heard. ‘Flo’ in my business name (Flomediation) signifies human flourishing. One of the greatest joys is seeing barriers come down as people begin to communicate openly, as well as knowing God’s peace is at work in the room.
My approach is rooted in the gospel: mediation aligns with God’s design for human flourishing and the call to be a “peace creator” (see Matthew 5:9).
I bring the peace of Christ into every session, praying before, during and after meetings, which helps create the right environment. Sometimes questions or insights arise spontaneously, guided by the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
The work is intensive and can be challenging. Getting people to agree on dates for meetings alone can be difficult, but seeing resolution and relief in clients’ lives is very rewarding. Hearing someone say: “I never thought that could happen!” reminds me why this work matters.
For me, mediation is not simply a career; it’s a calling. It’s as much a part of God’s work as my church role. Each area informs and strengthens the other, and I aim to use the gifts God has given me faithfully in each context.
Please pray for me to have wisdom in discerning what to say yes or no to, especially as I step into an international leadership role with Pioneer while continuing mediation.
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