Ministers
Place for Hope accompanies and equips people and faith communities so that all might reach their potential to be peacemakers who navigate change and conflict well. Our churches and faith groups face change, encounter difference and may experience conflict. During these times, we know that practical support can help.
As a Minister, people in your Kirk Session, congregation and community may look to you to offer leadership, to ease tensions, resolve conflict and ‘mediate’ between groups. Along with all your other responsibilities, this task may sometimes feel daunting. It can help to have independent support from Place for Hope to:
- empower people to work through their differences effectively
- allow you to participate in a discussion rather than facilitate or
- be available to you for one-on-one coaching support.
Place for Hope Practitioners are skilled in accompanying groups and individuals at any stage in transition or change, and through any level of conflict.
We have a Funding Agreement with the Ministries Council of the Church of Scotland which means that our core service can be offered without charge (at the point of delivery) to Church of Scotland ministers, congregations and presbyteries for specific pieces of work.
How can we help?
Facilitated Conversations
Support hosting important or potentially difficult conversations
We work with large and small groups to enable more open dialogue around important or potentially difficult subjects. This could be helping to prepare for a forthcoming change or transition or discussing a sensitive matter. The goal is to explore the topic in a way that remains respectful and productive.
Examples include: preparing for a Union or Linkage, discussions around theological differences
Help in a crisis
Accompanying people struggling with difference or conflict
We help large and small groups work through difficult situations – including times of transition and conflict. In this work we create space for healthy, inclusive conversations. Our aim is to support people as they work towards the best possible outcome in a manner that can help restore, preserve or deepen relationships.
Examples include: dealing with bullying or harassing behaviours, decisions around buildings, breakdown of relationships.
Coaching
Individual coaching for those in positions of responsibility
In times of change or conflict, we know that leaders can feel isolated or overwhelmed. We offer tailored one-to-one coaching to accompany those in positions of responsibility who would appreciate a sounding board and support.
Training
We offer training to help equip people to recognise, understand and navigate conflict. You can book online for courses or speak to us about bringing a tailored course to your congregation or community.
Example training courses include:
Growing through Conflict and Change (Foundation and Further Skills)
Bullying and Harassment
Scripture, Spirituality and Conflict
For more information about all of our services, please visit www.placeforhope.org.uk.
How does it work?
If you would like us to provide support for a situation, please get in touch as soon as possible. Working together will typically include the following steps:
- You make contact by phone or email.
- You will have a telephone conversation with a Place for Hope staff member to discuss your situation and any practicalities
- Place for Hope reviewhow we can help.
- Place for Hope identify Practitioners best suited to your needs
- Our Practitioners contact you to discuss and agree the aim and scopeof work, as well as how we agree to work together.
- The work is delivered(this could be a one-off session or a series of conversations)
- A Place for Hope staff member will invite feedback and evaluation.For training, please book online for courses or speak to us about bringing a tailored course to your congregation or community.
