***This Course is now FULL. We are still accepting applications for a waiting list. For more information please contact us.***
This five-day training course starts from the idea that conflict is normal and inevitable – but Christians often feel ill-prepared to handle conflict in the church. It is designed specifically for Senior Church Leaders such as Bishops, Archdeacons and others in the senior staff team (Anglican and Roman Catholic), Regional Ministers (Baptist), District Chairs (Methodist), Divisional Commanders (Salvation Army), Moderators (URC), or equivalents in other denominations. If in doubt, then please contact Alastair on 020 8883 3033 to enquire.
Attend this course if you want to:
- Develop new skills for handling and transforming conflict
- Give time to personal growth as part of a worshipping community
- Be part of a movement that is changing the culture of the church
- Help put the church’s energy to more creative use
The course is focused on conflict in church settings, and serves as the foundation for further Bridge Builders courses. Held residentially, it is built on our experience of leading similar training since 1996. The course aims to raise self-awareness, to deepen understanding of conflict and to teach methods for transforming conflict. Participants will be invited to join our Bridge Builders’ Network, of Christians around Britain involved in transforming church conflict.
The course includes teaching, group work and guided practice. Active and practical in focus, the sessions provide hands-on skills training and use role-plays based on the kinds of conflicts encountered in the church. Each day includes times of prayer and worship. The course is intensive and includes some evening sessions; we strongly recommend avoiding any other commitments during the week.
Click for more about what's in the course.
Click for comments from recent participants.
Click for a full brochure 
TCCSCLBrochureMarch_2012_v3.pdf
Presenters
Alastair McKay is Executive Director of Bridge Builders, and has been providing training, mediation and consultancy services to churches since 1996. Alastair has an MA in Conflict Transformation, is studying for a Doctorate of Ministry, and has contributed to the books Making Peace With Conflict (Herald Press, 1999) and How to Become a Creative Church Leader (Canterbury Press, 2008).
Colin Patterson is Assistant Director of Bridge Builders, and an Anglican priest. He has worked as a training officer for the Diocese of Durham, is an experienced adult educator, and is author of the Grove booklet How to Learn Through Conflict.
Jackie Searle is an Anglican Vicar and Area Dean in the Diocese of Derby, where she also served as a member of the Bishop’s staff team for a number of years. Jackie is a member of the the Bridge Builders Network and an experienced theological educator.
Meals & Accommodation
The course is fully residential, with accommodation from Sunday night to Thursday night, and with meals provided each day from Sunday evening until Friday lunch time, of breakfast, lunch and evening meal, in single room accommodation at Whirlow Grange Conference Centre, Eccleshall Road South, Sheffield S11 9PZ.
Course Timings
Sunday 11th March: arrival from 5:00pm for dinner at 6:30pm
Monday 12th & Thursday 15th: 9:00am-6:00pm
Tuesday 13th & Wednesday 14th: 9:00am-1:00pm, 3:30-6:00pm, 7:30-9:00pm
Friday 16th March: 9:00am-2:00pm
Cost & Application
The standard cost for the course is £870. A special “early bird” discount of £100 is available if booking by 30 June 2011, giving a reduced price of £770. A training manual and a style profile are included in the fee.
Spaces are limited to a maximum of 24, so do apply early, as our courses are regularly over-subscribed.
To apply, click the button under the Event Properties box below. Applications remain provisional until Bridge Builders has received a deposit of £100. The balance of the fee is due 10 weeks before the start of the course (i.e. by 3 January 2012). Click for information on payment methods and cancellation policy.
***This Course is now FULL. We are still accepting applications for a waiting list. For more information please contact us.***
Foundation Courses