The following learning and development opportunities have been developed in partnership with Place For Hope.
Growing Through Change and Conflict (previously Growing Through Conflict)
The Growing Through Change and Conflict programme aims to offer support and training to leaders in churches as they try to recognise and respond to conflict.
It is intended to be a ‘foundation’ day by the end of which participants will:
- understand how conflict works, in ourselves, our churches and faith communities; and
- raise awareness of and experience simple tools to transform conflict.
Dates and links to register for courses can be found by either scrolling down this page, or going to the learning and development events calendar.
Bullying and Harassment
This one day programme promotes good working relationships and ways to manage bullying within the life of our churches and faith communities.
It enables those who participate in the training to consider the dynamics that lead to bullying and harassing behaviour and equips participants with basic skills to become more confident when dealing with people who display such behaviour.
The course builds upon the learning covered by the one-day ‘Growing Through Change and Conflict’ course material.
Dates and links to register for courses can be found by either scrolling down this page, or going to the learning and development events calendar:
Spirituality, Scripture and Conflict
The purpose of this workshop is to deepen our understanding of the impact and wisdom of scripture in transforming conflict, and in transitioning through change.
Our churches and faith communities are experiencing rapid change, which can sometimes result in difficult conversations and conflicted relationships. These experiences would be familiar to the early Christian church, where change and conflict were the norm, and heated conversations were regular occurrences.
What can we learn from scripture about conflict and change? Building on our foundation day ‘Growing through Change and Conflict’, this material explores first an approach to scripture rooted in God’s loving reconciliation in the world, and then secondly offers a way in to bible study rooted in ‘the remembered bible.’
Drawing on our own lived experience of life in our church or faith community, we continue to support all those in our churches and faith communities to be peacemakers in the spirit of the gospel.
For information on when and where the courses are being run can be found on the learning and development events calendar and by scrolling down to the bottom of this page:
Faith in Change and Conflict – Cliff Certificate
Offered in partnership with Place for Hope and Cliff College.
We know conflict is part of life and can be both creative and destructive. We notice that many people – including those in faith communities – can struggle to find helpful ways to respond to change, transition, tension and difference.
Some structures, cultures, systems and habits can make it difficult for people to hear each other well and relationships may break down. We also know that there is much transformational potential in conflict.
Accepting these realities, and wanting to offer a positive response, Cliff College is delighted to be running this new Short Course Certificate in ‘Faith in Change and Conflict’ in partnership with Place for Hope under the leadership of Martina Hunt along with others from Place for Hope, staff and practitioners.
Knowing there is help and support available can be a great source of hope for those experiencing difficulties and divisions within their congregations and communities, and Place for Hope have a proven record in helping individuals and faith communities find both support and ways through the difficulties. Find out more about the Certificate course on the Cliff College website:
Faith in Change and Conflict course information
Dates for 2024/25
Positive Working Together Open Courses
Growing through Change and Conflict
Tuesday 22nd October 2024 (9:30am – 4pm)
Register here Booking deadline: 14th October 2024
Tutors: Sharon Rowe & James Ballantyne
Monday 20th and Wednesday 22nd January 2025 (7- 9:30pm)
Register here Booking deadline: 13th January 2024
Tutors: James Ballantyne & Tricia Mitchell
Thursday 3rd April 2025 (9:30am – 4pm)
Register here Booking deadline: 24th March 2025
Tutors: James Ballantyne & Graham Jones
Responding to Bullying and Harassment
Tuesday 19th & Friday 22nd November 2024 (9:30am - 1pm)
Register here Booking deadline: 11th November 2024
Tutors: Graham Jones & Lorraine Darlow
Thursday 12th June 2025 (9:30am – 4pm)
Register here Booking deadline: 2nd June 2025
Tutors: Jon White & Brec Seaton