Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation

Do you want to learn how to use conflict as a tool for transforming relationships and social dynamics? Candler School of Theology professors in ethics and conflict transformation guide you through the process of evaluating and engaging conflict in a theological framework.

 
 
 

About the Track

The lessons in this track will equip you with practical skills such as: 

  • Identifying and broadening your own conflict approach 

  • Facilitating circle meetings, conversations, and other community events 

  • Differentiating between productive and unproductive conflict 

  • Learning a variety of spiritual practices to sustain conflict work 

  • Discovering the importance of self-care as a conflict worker


Meet the Instructors


Track Schedule

This 4-course certificate program can be completed in 24 weeks. The schedule of the courses is as follows

Course 1. Theology for Conflict Work    Sept 9 - Oct 14

Course 2. Skills for Conflict Escalation    Oct 28 - Dec 9

Course 3. Skills for Conflict De-Escalation    Jan 6 - Feb 10

Course 4. Spirituality for Conflict Workers    Feb 24 - Mar 31

While each course starts on a specific date, you will be able to work through a given course's learning modules at your own pace and schedule. 

 

Track FAQs

 
  • Anyone who wants to be better understand conflict as a tool for transforming relationships and social dynamics, inside or outside the church. Participants include laity, ministry leaders, activists, non-profit leaders, chaplains, teachers, church volunteers, and pastors.

  • This track consists of four 5-week courses.

  • The material in each course is separated into modules (a module is one week’s worth of learning activities). Each module consists of asynchronous learning activities, including short video lectures, readings, and reflection questions.

  • No.
    While you will have independent work to do during the week, you will also journey through the program with a small cohort of 6-15 people. You will be able to interact with them and a trained facilitator throughout the program.

  • Yes.
    All of the learning components are designed to be completed online through our easy-to-use digital platform, Cosassemble.

  • No.
    You will be invited to submit brief and informal reflection exercises to your track facilitator. These exercises are designed to help you process the materials and make connections to your own life and faith.

  • Yes.
    The Foundations program is open to all participants regardless of their previous educational experience.

  • No.
    There is only a short registration form that needs to be filled out in order to enroll in the program.

  • Yes
    Groups of six or more can register together (with group discounts available!). Groups can arrange for custom schedules and will have access to a trained facilitator who would help lead weekly synchronous discussions. Find out more on our group access page.

 
I registered for this track to help facilitate future discussions within my conference regarding divisiveness, disaffiliation, and other areas of conflict that arise. I can see its helpfulness in my own local church as well.
— 2023 COHORT GRADUATE
 

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