TC Welcome Booklet Sept 2026 by STAGG Distributors

Transforming Conversation Welcome Booklet

Thanks This booklet is designed to help improve conversation skills (talking and listening) for Church Life and Mission & Ministry in church and community settings, signposting you to information about TC, how it can be used, the resources and training available and further reading. It has been developed by the TC team and special thanks go to the TC Staff: Administrator Georgia Jenkin and Training Officer Ruth Hartley, who undertook the bulk of the work producing this. Also, the TC Steering Group and Community for all their help, encouragement and support, especially the work on the Ground Rules. We are grateful to the South West Peninsula Methodist District for their ongoing support and funding for this initiative.

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Introduction Dear Colleagues Transforming Conversation (TC) has always aimed to be flexible and accessible in its approach and uses, supporting traditional and pioneering methods of worship, service, learning and outreach. After five years of development, TC has come a long way, and the time has come for the South West Peninsula District to evaluate how TC will link with other newly-developing Church at the Margins initiatives, such as New Places for New People and Faith-Rooted Community Organising. This Welcome Booklet draws together some of the key learning and resources which TC has identified or initiated, and it is our privilege to offer it to everyone across the District (and beyond). It is a practical guide offering: tools to use in different settings, ideas to get you thinking about ways to improve conversation and signposting towards other resources, including the TC website at www.transformingconversation.org There are several things still to be developed, including a theology of conversation and further work into conversation for discipleship and leadership but we have made a start. Some of the resources and books listed in the bibliography relate directly to conversation, communication and mentoring/coaching (which has always played a significant role in TC), while others have a more ambiguous connection. We hope you find this a useful, welcoming and inspiring resource and that it plays a small part in helping you improve the important art of conversation whatever your setting.

With Blessings,

Bev Smerdon TC Enabler (2021-2026)

Unless we listen properly to people, we will miss ideas and possibilities that could transform the world! Tim Norwood, Christ The Organiser 1

Welcome to Transforming Conversation Dear Friend, We are delighted that you have come across Transforming Conversation (TC), and in this Welcome Booklet, we hope you will find all the information you need in relation to TC and why it is needed. There are many ways you can get involved in TC, and there are so many ways TC can have a positive impact in your community. It is designed to be a foundational building block upon which everything else can be built. If we cannot have good positive conversations with people we know in our lives, we can lose our sense of connection that is at the heart of being people. TC consists of a small team of individuals committed to finding ways to engage Christians and others in safe, inclusive and transformative conversations. Revd Andy Day has oversight of the project, and I am the Administrator and “first point of contact”. Alongside us is a Steering Group, who coordinate meetings for our wider, dispersed ‘Community’, which includes trained facilitators and facilitators in training, those who have taken part in TC conversation groups and workshops and anyone who is interested in coming together to share, listen and build better relationships with others. I hope you find this introduction to TC helpful and do contact me for further information. My email address is admin@transformingconversation.org

Warm regards,

Georgia Jenkin TC Administrator

When I look at you, I see someone who’s of infinite value made in the image of God, and so what I say to you or think about you is hugely important John Lennox, Diary of a CEO

Contents Let’s Talk About . . .

Thinking Points

Ground rules

TC Prayer

The Need For Conversation

Our Conversations

What’s the point?

Small Groups

Foundations

Who We Are

TC Statistics Infografik

TC in the District: Map

TC Is ....

The TC Organisation

17-18

Staff Team

Groups & Settings

Ways To Use TC

Using a TC Approach

Communication Skills & Groundrules

Template & Existing Resources

Workshops & Away Days

Gathering Days

Local Arrangement Worship

Display Stand & Conversation Groups

Mentoring & Reconciliation Routes

Training & Skills

Resources & FAQ’s

TC Online

Other Available Resources

FAQ’s

34-35

History & Bibliography

TC Story

Bibliography

38-40 3

To start talking to people about God can court sterility from the outset. To do justice to the theme, you need a previous exchange on the human level, marked by honesty and depth, about how people really live, and what they have experienced in the privileged moments of their past.” Marcel Legault

Participants feedback from conversation groups

Thinking Points

Groundrules The TC Groundrules have become widely used over the last couple of years. They create a foundation for any group or conversation and provide a baseline for how we think, speak and act, reminding us to respect others so that we can have constructive and positive conversations that are truly transformative. They are not “written in stone” and many groups adapt them to suit their context. A pocket guide version is available from the TC office and they are downloadable from www.transformingconversation.org be attentive • Listen carefully to each other • Avoid getting distracted by your thoughts • Welcome silence as a gift • Don ’t talk for too long

be open • Appreciate others ’ experience • Respect differing views • Avoid assumptions, especially about similar experiences • Try not to judge others • Share only what you want be delighted • Be curious and willing to change your opinion • Be aware of different perspectives • Welcome humour when appropriate • Try to use language others can understand • Be ready to provide explanation if needed be trusted • Agree and respect confidentiality • Talk from your own experience and don’t generalise • If you don ’t know, say so • Be ready to apologise and forgive 6

TC Prayer A prayer to help us focus on the Transforming Conversation Groundrules. Adapted from an original prayer written by Revd Andy Day. It can be found on the TC website and is free to use and adapt in other contexts.

Listening God, Help us to be attentive to you and one another: listening, pausing and seeking to understand.

Help us to be open to your Spirit and one another: to appreciate different experiences, and be gracious to those we find challenging.

Help us to be delighted, curious and ready to change: our minds, our hearts and our lives.

Help us to be worthy of the trust and love you place in us: speaking for ourselves and willing to apologise and forgive.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Need for Conversation We live in a world of soundbites, reels and hashtags. There are people of all ages who are isolated and struggling with loneliness. Transport and community spaces are underfunded, meaning many people find themselves spending more time online than meeting others in person. Often people do not know where to find community and many are uninterested in Sunday morning services! Offering safe and welcoming neutral spaces can be life changing.

Why small, inclusive conversations work FOSTERING BELONGING AND CONNECTION As the world has widened with the use of the internet and social media, local communities in many places have shrunk. Small groups offer spaces for those on the fringes or outside of their communities to find a place to belong, especially for those who may be isolated or lonely in their geographical locations

SAFETY FOR SPIRITUAL EXPLORATION Our world talks a good talk of being ‘more tolerant’, yet too often we see the opposite. Division is rising, and there are few spaces where people can come to explore and share their experiences in a judgement-free and supportive environment.

VALUING DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES Research shows that diverse leadership and inclusive intergenerational dialogue help churches connect with their local communities. Engaging across cultural and theological differences through a "Culture of Dialogue" breaks down prejudices and fosters mutual flourishing.

PRACTICAL ENGAGEMENT Younger generations are seeking something that is real and authentic. They want to be a part of something that isn’t overglamourised, airbrushed or performative. Small groups create space for real involvement and offer ways to apply faith and spirituality in our daily living. 8

Our Conversations Conversation is such a normal part of everyday life. I wonder, do you ever stop to think about how you act and participate in conversations as you go about daily living? There are many skills that are needed for good conversation, but we have often slipped into bad habits, learnt over the years and barely noticed on a day-to-day basis. When was the last time you shared a conversation which left you feeling truly heard, understood and accepted? Having good conversations is not something which “comes naturally” as many would have us believe. It requires self awareness, reflection and somewhere to learn and practice these skills with others.

Here are some questions to help you think about your conversation skills: Do you value everyone’s contributions and opinions in a group or a 1:1 conversation? How do you deal well with confrontation in your conversations? How have you learnt to have difficult conversations with those you love, or those who have a very different opinion to you? How do you show others that their thoughts and opinions are valued in a conversation? Has a good conversation ever changed your mind or opinion on something? Conversations with others everyday has a huge impact on our wellbeing. Studies have shown that having even one conversation a day boosts happiness and lowers stress levels.

What’s the Point? You may have heard of the quiet revival that appears to be spreading across our country. Whilst church attendance in the West has seen a general decline over the years, there has also been an upturn of interest in “spirituality” and a rise in those seeking spiritual spaces. Young people (teenagers to early 30's) especially are feeling that disconnect in society, where they are missing real, personal and connected community. With the rise in Social Media and online platforms, we face something which we have not faced before, as children and young people grow up in more isolated online spaces, and their experience of authentic, face-to-face relational conversations decline. We connect through our communication skills, yet for so many, the conversation skills that we often take for granted are lacking opportunities for use. If we want to see the next generation flourish, then we need to transform how we have conversations, and how we seek unity, not just uniformity. Whilst many of those in the Methodist Church may be familiar with the term “hymn sandwich”, something different is needed - something more relevant and accessible. People are seeking something real and authentic. Are we seeing where we need to develop and grow to be a people who truly welcome all? If we want to share the “Bread of Life” that comes from having a real and personal relationship with the living God, are there things we need to do differently, including the way we speak and listen to one another?

Small Groups There are many reasons for convening small groups and a conversation group will not always be the best model. Differences between a non-conversational small group and a conversation group:

A conversation group works well for:

Exploration: you want participants to explore a topic/theme Varying Perspectives: It is more important to hear a range of views than to cover specific content Open-ended: There is no fixed agenda or outcome

A conversation group is less well-suited to: Specific Content: There is a curriculum or mandatory material which must be covered Content Heavy: The material is not sufficiently focused or too large for time constraints A Set Goal: Has a desired outcome or agenda

Introducing a theme or topic to a small group of interested individuals through a conversation group can help imbed new ideas and better ways of communicating Although small, the group is introduced to different views, and they can become the ‘yeast in the dough’ bringing skills and ideas into wider settings This can be a useful tool when discussing difficult topics or new ideas

It provides a space to grow new leaders, or share the leadership load within an organisation

Foundations Our Vision To be a community of people confident and excited about having transformative conversations in our lives.

Our Mission To support and assist people to engage in meaningful conversation that enables positive change.

Our Aim To create, identify and cultivate community through supporting and facilitating transformational conversations.

Our Objectives Empower and equip churches, groups and communities to use transformative conversation in their context. Provide training and continuing development in transformational conversation and reflective practice. Raise awareness to the benefits of transformational conversation in a range of settings. Provide accessible and relevant resources for transformational conversation. Support new communities through facilitating better conversations. Facilitate transformational conversations.

Who We Are

Transforming Conversation Statistics 28

CIRCUITS

Across the District we have 29 circuits in total. Much of the TC work predominantly spans the East of the District, but over the past two years has sought to increase engagement with the West area

GROUPS RUN

Number of TC groups run to date, averaging about 4-6 conversations/group

COMMUNITY MEETINGS/YEAR

Fortnightly Community Conversations on zoom, average attendance 10-15 people

102

E-NEWS CONTACTS

Total number of current subscribers from across the District and further afield.

CIRCUITS ENGAGED Engaged circuits includes any circuits who have run a group, workshop day, have expressed interest in TC, or are have e-news contacts

WORKSHOP ATTENDANCE Those who have attended a workshop day that has been run by the TC team at various events and places across the District (unique attendees)

TRAINING ATTENDANCE Those who have attended a TC training course or Gathering Day (unique attendees)

50+

MENTORING SESSIONS

August 2026 14

recognised facilitators, facilitators in training and those exploring uses of TC in their context.

TC engagement Map across the South West Peninsula District The map expresses levels of engagement each circuit generally has when it comes to TC

No Contacts Enews Contacts Contacts & TC Friends TC Friends & Interest in more TC TC Friends, groups / training TC champions / Team / Facilitators

TC Friends Across the District Note that the TC characters are not numerical, but represent where in each circuit there may be one or several of the below: TC Facilitators TC Team Members TC Friends/Champions

TC is ... A South West Peninsula Methodist District Initiative (Project) A Voluntary Missional Community PROJECT

The District has oversight for the project’s development and how it links with other District initiatives. It provides funding for training, mentoring, management and admin. (Further information about available training and mentoring in the next section).

MANAGEMENT GROUP This provides the operational oversight put in place by the District. It included the TC Enabler and line manager, Safeguarding Officer and people with links to Synod, Learning Network and funding. It is chaired by the Chair of the South West Peninsula District and oversees all aspects of TC.

Organisation COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE The Community of Practice is an embryonic part of the support package TC has been developing. It is run for TC facilitators, recognized or in training, and facilitators of groups which run with a similar aim, model or ethos. The group also welcomes individuals interested in using TC in their context. It is a space for mutual support, peer mentoring and continuing development.

COMMUNITY The Community is open to anyone who enjoys developing good conversation skills and has an interest in the work of TC. This includes word-of-mouth contact, receiving the e-news, attending training or a workshop, being a recognised facilitator or a TC staff member. The Community is connected via a fortnightly e-news and optional zoom meetings, (currently every 2nd and 4th Wednesday evening), which have run for nearly 5 years. The photo below is from the “early days”, when about 7-9 people attended. These days numbers have increased and there is a core group of about 15-18 people + occasional visitors.

A wide range of conversation topics have been covered, from seasonal reflections to newly produced conversation materials, training, peer mentoring, feedback on TC events and social “meet and greets”. A session on Mental Health First Aid, was possibly one of the most popular. The Community conversations also provide a space to consult on future developments and provide feedback about changes happening at District level.

Organisation Cont STEERING GROUP The Community has a volunteer Steering Group, who plan and oversee the running of the Community conversations and occasional, in-person Gathering Days at various venues. The Group usually consists of a core group of 4-5 members of the Community and the volunteer Safeguarding Officer. Additional members can be co-opted for additional events and activities, when required.

From left to right: Sarah Kehaya, Chris Ware, Ruth Hartley (safeguarding) and Diane O’Neill

Chris will be stepping down in 2027 when 2 new Community members will join 18

Staff Team Project Oversight: Revd Andy Day Admin: Georgia Jenkin Mentor & Safeguarding: Ruth Hartley

Revd Andy Day

TC continues to offer us something we need, something we desire, a way to transform our conversations and have conversations that are transforming. My role is to support TC and its community and to encourage others who want to have better conversations to consider some of the TC tools. Contact me at andy@transformingconversation.org

I joined the team as the TC Administrator in Autumn 2024 when the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly District merged with the Plymouth and Exeter District to form the South West Peninsula District. I am passionate about all things TC - it has transformed the way I communicate with people in my life. I’m looking forward to working with Andy as he takes over the baton from Bev and Ruth. I am your first point of contact for any inquiries and look forward to offering you any help you need to make the best possible use of TC. Contact me at admin@transformingconversation.org

Ruth Hartley

Georgia Jenkin

I have just retired from my role as TC’s p/t Training Officer but I’m continuing to offer Mentoring sessions to the Community and remain TC’s volunteer Safeguarding Officer. I am based in the North of the District and always happy to talk to people from across the District about TC. I will also be available to deliver Core Training as and when needed. I can be contacted via Georgia. 19

Groups & Settings Conversation groups have taken place in the following circuits: West Somerset Tiverton & Wellington Teignbridge Taunton Deane & South Sedgemoor Plymouth Exeter Coast & Country They vary widely in terms of content, venue, aim, style of meeting, number of sessions, facilitation style and regularity of meetings. Some are easily identified as classic TC groups, others have recognisable TC links or ethos but have been created as something better-suited to their local context.

We need to intentionally create a particular kind of nurturing social environment – one in which people of quite different backgrounds and perspectives can feel safe enough to be real with each other about what they are experiencing, and what they believe. Mark Davis

Ways to use TC

Ways to use TC Using a TC Approach TC is a model for conversation groups but the different sections of a TC conversation can be applied across a range of settings and the skills, which underpin TC, are useful in most situations.

Here are a few suggestions:

Communication skills Groundrules A Template Existing resources Workshops/Away days: Introduce new concepts. Gathering days Local arrangements A TC display stand Conversation groups Reconciliation routes Training Mentoring

Further information can be found on the next few pages. More detailed information is available at www.transformingconversation.org 22

Ways to use TC Communication Skills & Groundrules Communication Skills Improving communication skills can help people get along better, be more accepting and open to new ideas and can change the power dynamics in meetings. The modular TC Core Training offers a flexible way to address communication issues, with online and in person units (group size 8+). Bespoke training is also available.

Groundrules for Meetings Agreeing groundrules at the beginning of any meeting (online or in person) gives the person chairing or facilitating permission to intervene if the conversation or discussion deteriorates. Using or adapting the TC Groundrules provides a good starting point. Copies of the Groundrules Pocket Guide are available by emailing admin@transformingconversation.org

Groundrules (individual) Raising awareness through the use of Groundrules can also help individuals improve the way they behave when interacting with others.

Ways to use TC Template & Existing Resources A Template If you are faced with introducing a new idea or dealing with an issue, the TC model offers a template for using a conversation-style setting, which is more accessible than a traditional “chalk and talk” approach and more focused than an open-ended discussion. This has been successfully used for:

EDI training Exploring gifts and skills Bible month resources For Existing Resources You may have thought about using one of the many new resources or courses produced by Connexion over the last couple of years but lack the capacity to get beyond “keeping the show on the road". A TC facilitator can provide the time, energy, and expertise needed to guide a group through these or other existing resources.

Ways to use TC Workshops & Away Days Conversation is a great way to introduce new concepts and TC’s Workshop Days offer an opportunity for people to explore a subject and experience a TC-style conversation. They can help to identify participants who are interested in training or leadership and enable the “unheard voices” to be acknowledged. TC can also facilitate Away Days for bespoke content. One recent, successful example was a Workshop day introducing Faith-Rooted Community Organising (FRCO). Below are some comments about what people felt they had gained from the day:

TC & FRCO A reminder of what is possible

The opportunity to meet with a new community

Listen to learn, and not be distracted in planning my own answer in response

Encourragement to carry on having conversations within our different communities

Being reminded of the transforming power of conversations, and that the best conversations are two way

I have enjoyed having a laugh, yet also deeper conversations together as a group

Ways to use TC Gathering Days Gathering Days provide an opportunity for the TC Community to meet and greet, experience in-person conversation, be resourced and celebrate all aspects of Transforming Conversation. Gathering Days are also open to anyone who wants to find out more about TC and Community members often invite guests. They take place at various venues, wherever a Community Member is willing to host. Below is some feedback from attendees at previous Gathering Days:

Personal Reflections

Eye-opening and educational. Learnt a lot about silence and listening

A real blessing. We heard about how TC has transformed people from within and how they carry it with them

A lovely re-entry to skills that can change things

A useful immersion into TC, not only experiencing the impact of the conversation, but also understanding how it can be applied into daily life and worship

Serious and hopeful in intent, and support in going forward

Thought-provoking, inspiring, encouraging, gentle

Ways to use TC Local Arrangement Worship Services The format for a TC–style conversation can be used as the basis for a simple, interactive, thematic form of worship.

Preparation In the same way as preparing for any other form of worship, thought needs to be given to the theme, conversation-stimulus and layout of the space. If you are planning for people to move around at various points, allow extra time for this in your planning.

Safeguarding it is important to make it very clear that participation is talking and listening and people do not have to participate if they don’t want to. Also reminding them to only share what they are comfortable sharing. It is useful to have someone with appropriate skills available, in addition to the facilitator, for this kind of worship.

Advertising If possible, through the notices or any other ways of marketing that are used, make clear that this will be “conversation-style worship” and that people will be able to participate or observe as they prefer.

Setting out the Space There are many ways you may choose to set up for a conversation-style service. It may not be possible to rearrange the furniture, and the conversation may simply be a replacement for the sermon but even in this more traditional style, the other sections remain relevant and will help your planning. A detailed breakdown of how each of the conversation stages can be used in a local arrangement worship service can be found at www.transformingconversation.org

Ways to use TC Display Stand & Groups Display Stand Creating a display stand at an existing event, such as coffee mornings, fetes, community events, etc is an easy way to raise awareness to TC and guage interest in conversation and conversation-related activities. We can supply you with promotional materials and other resources. Contact Georgia: admin@transformingconversation.org or visit our website to find out more.

Conversation Groups While this may seem like the obvious place to start, conversation groups often come into being as an outcome of using or introducing TC in another way. There are many different forms of TC groups, which are used for a variety of purposes. In general, a TC group would have a TC-recognised facilitator and would meet for a specific number of previously agreed sessions. The group may run an introductory session as many times as it wants but once the group has agreed to start a series it will remain a closed group until that series ends. Some conversation groups do form for a 1-off conversation but they lose the sense of community that a series of conversations in a closed-group creates. TC has a back catalogue of conversation resources, many of which are available for use by other groups. You can find these via the TC website. Below is a sample of just a few of them: Listening to Others Dealing with change Improving small groups Gifts & Skills Faith-Rooted Community Organising 28

Wellbeing Bible Month EDI Training Methodist Way of Life Seasonal: Advent, Lent, etc

Ways to use TC Mentoring Self-reflection has always been an important part of TC, to be role-modelled by facilitators and as a support mechanism for them. As part of the TC facilitator’s process of training and recognition they are expected to undertake at least 1 mentoring session for each conversation series they run. In addition, mentoring sessions are available to anyone wanting to start a conversation group or considering how to use TC in their setting. TC has been fortunate to have Ruth Hartley as Training Officer and Mentor. Ruth is an experienced and skilled Mentor, with many years of experience in counselling and supervision and is a Place for Hope Mediator. She also has experience of Safeguarding at Church and Circuit level and is the project’s Safeguarding Officer.

My mentoring sessions are where I take the troubling matters which require more reflection than my everyday work life allows.

Sometimes mentoring sessions are where the seeds of transformation are planted and sometimes it is where they are harvested.

Reconciliation Routes There are many ways that TC as well as other groups and teams can support you, if you are facing a difficult situation which is/has led to conflict and challenge. TC can offer early support and intervention before situations escalate, below are other routes that can offer more support. If you are unsure where to start, contact us, or the District Chair/Team who can also support you.

Becoming Better Together Growing Through Change and Conflict Place for Hope District Complaints Support Team Learning Network Aligned Officer 29

Ways to use TC Training & Skills Many Christian courses now include, or are designed around, small groups. This assumes that there are sufficient small group facilitators available to lead these groups. TC has designed a short, modular training programme inviting participants to refresh their communication skills, explore how small groups work (in-person and online) and develop their abilities as a facilitator. The 6 x ½day training course is for anyone interested in improving communication skills (especially listening), understanding stumbling blocks, the importance of self-reflection and how to facilitate a TC-style conversation. Participants have to begin with session 1 and can then select the number of sessions they wish to take at any one time. Sessions 1-4 are generic and sessions 5 & 6 are specific to TC.

Each session is ½ day (3hrs) or evening (2 ½ hrs) or full day option (2 sessions/day). Hybrid option: Sessions 1, 4 & 6 in person; 2, 3 & 5 on zoom;. Alternative: All sessions delivered “in-person”. Courses can be delivered in-house for groups of 8+ For more information please get in touch via admin@transformingconversation.org 30

Resources & FAQ’s

TC Online www.transformingconversation.org Sign up as a community member here!

You will find more details about many of the items listed in this booklet on our website, which also has a host of other information and resources. Why not check out what it can offer you? www.transformingconversation.org

If you sign up to be a member of the TC Community, it gives you access to resources, handouts, group materials and much more!

Why not come and join us on Facebook? A way to be community; regularly sharing and reflecting on how we can all have better conversations everyday.

Available Resources TC Info Flyer

Pocket Groundrules

Other resources are available. Visit www.transformingconversation.org or contact admin@transformingconversation.org for more information

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s What is TC? Transforming Conversation (TC) is a way of having frank and open conversation on any topic with a group of people in a managed and respectful way. Because we use “ways of working” it levels the playing field and allows people to speak who may have been silent before. Why TC? Assuming this refers to the name, a few alternatives were thought of why we moved from Christian Communities in Conversation and it was decided that Transforming Conversation was more user friendly but explained what we were about. We now use the strapline ‘Let’s talk about’ for our conversation groups as well, which engages well with people. How does it work? It works because there is a structure behind the scenes that means the conversation is as safe as it can be and has not got a hidden agenda of trying to find an answer. It is a place of exploration that is facilitated to allow the conversation to flow freely without anyone soapboxing. Who can be involved? Anyone can be involved in a conversation. You just need a love of conversing with a group of people maybe with differing views and be able to agree to disagree at times with respect. To run a TC conversation you need to be a recognised facilitator. For more information contact: admin@transformingconversation.org

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s How can I get involved? We have zoom meetings on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month that you are welcome to attend. Please sign up for the e-news on the website and then you will receive the link for these meetings. If there is a group near you then ask about joining that group. (Groups may be closed to new members while they are running a series of conversations, to keep the confidentiality of the group, but the facilitator will contact you when they start another series of conversations). To find out about groups/opportunities in your area contact admin@transformingconversation.org Is there a TC or equivalent conversation group near me? For current groups and where they are running contact admin@transformingconversation.org Why does TC online have so few men? Does that reflect the proportion of men in the church? Statistically we have a better proportion of women to men (2:1) on our contact list than a lot of churches! Does it mean the design/style of TC doesn’t register well with men? Still researching that one!! Watch this space!

History & Bibliography

The TC Story 2021-23 Transforming Conversation morphed out of the previously existing Christian Communities in Conversation. Mark Davis’ Shoreline project had laid the groundwork of understanding the importance and need to facilitate positive conversations within churches and using them to help bridge gaps between churches and their local communities. A small, dedicated team of volunteers took up the baton and TC was designed to model what it looked like to be a ‘people of conversation’ in many different ways, contexts and spaces.

2023-24

After scoping out the range of what TC could offer, the Plymouth & Exeter District employed Bev Smerdon as TC Enabler. Administration was shared with the District Administrator, Elaine Lawrence. Ruth Hartley provided the project’s Mentoring Support and later became part-time Training Officer. Their work included: Creating and providing facilitator training Facilitating ‘conversation groups’ and providing a TC presence at events Designing conversation resources and facilitating Community meetings

2024-26 The Plymouth & Exeter District and the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Districts merged to form the South West Peninsula District. During this merger, Georgia joined the team as the TC Administrator. Initially her role focussed around marketing TC, including designing the very popular TC pocket guide and creating many other resources, which have been used in a variety of situations and contexts. In 2025, TC made its first appearance at 3Gen the national Methodist Children’s & Youth event. Links were made at a connexional level between TC and FRCO and new listening skills training was added to the existing Core Training Programme.

Bibliography Books: On Coaching & Mentoring Clinton, J Robert & Paul D Stanley. Connecting (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1992) Croft, Steven. Transforming Communities (London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 2002) Dean K. Thompson, and D. Cameron Murchison, [eds.] Mentoring (Grand Rapids MI: Wm B Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018) Dekar, Paul R. Community of the Transformation (Cambridge: Lutterworth press, 2008) Henderson, D. Michael. John Wesley’s Class Meeting (Wilmore KY: Rafiki Books, 2016) Horsfall, Tony. Mentoring for Spiritual Growth (Oxford: Bible Reading Fellowship, 2008) Lewis, Rick. Mentoring Matters (Oxford: Monarch Books, 2009) Male, David. Church Unplugged (Milton Keynes: Authentic Media, 2008) Mallison, John. Mentoring to Develop Disciples & Leaders (New South Wales: Scripture Union, 1998) Noll, Mark A. Turning Points, 3rd ed. (Grand Rapids MI: Baker Academic, 2012) Norwood, Tim. Christ the Organiser ( UK: Relational Church UK, 2024) O'Halloran, James. Small Christian Communities (Dublin: Columba Press, 2002) Wilcox, Paul. Intentional Mentoring: Empowering a Generation One Person at a Time (Instant Apostle, 2018)

Bibliography Books: On (or related to) Conversation Arnold, E & others. Called to community [Plough Publishing, 2016] Bewley, Rob J. Transforming Conversation [Grove Booklet B61, 2011] Cockerell, David. Beginning Where We Are: A theology of parish ministry [SCM Press, 1989] Davis, Mark. Breathing Spaces: Creating spiritual conversations in groups [UK: Rockpool pub, 2008] Davis Mark. Walking on the Shore: A way of sharing faith in groups [UK: Matthew James pub, 2002] Greene, Mark. Fruitfulness on the Frontline: Making a difference where you are [London: SPCK, 2014] Griesinger, Emily & Mark Eaton. The Gift of Story: Narrating hope in a postmodern world [Baylor University Press, 2006] Harcus, Ian. Transforming Conversations: from individual leadership to organisational change [Three Loops Ltd, 2020] Headlee, Celeste. We Need to Talk: How to have conversations that matter (London: Piatkus, 2017) Jenkins, Jon C & Maureen R Jenkins. The 9 Disciplines of a Facilitator [CA: Jossey Bass, 2006] Jung, Joanne J. The Lost Discipline of Conversation: Surprising lessons from the English Puritans [USA: Zondervan, 2018] Osborn, Peter & Eddy Canfor-Dumas. The Talking Revolution: How creative conversation can change the world [Port Meadow Press, 2018] Phillips, Penelope. Conversational Learning: Facilitating lively classroom discussions [isbn: 9798857256350] 39

Bibliography Books: Conversation Cont. Rollinson, A. Conversations By the Sea [Handsell Press, 2023] Sagovsky, Nicholas & Peter McGrail. Together For the Common Good: Towards a national conversation [SCM, 2015] Schachter Shalomi, Zalman & Ronald S. Miller. From Age-ing to Sage-ing: A revolutionary approach to growing older [Balance 1995] Scroggins, J & Steve Wright. Turning Everyday Conversations into Gospel Conversations [B&H Books, 2016] Stead, Tim. Mindfulness and Christian Spirituality: Making space for God [SPCK, 2016] Wells, Sam. Living out loud: Conversations about virtue, ethics and evangelism [2010]

Other resources: 3D coaching principles [www.3DCoaching.com] Appreciative Inquiry. Creating GREAT conversations: Practical advice for better appreciative conversations [www.appreciatingpeople.co.uk] Being With: A course exploring Christian faith and life by Sam Wells [Canterbury Press, 2022] Evangelism & Growth Resources [see https://www.methodist.org.uk] Guidance & Resources for Growth. Planning Our Church’s Future Story [Methodist Church, revised & expanded 2015] Inside Out – cards for contemplation by Mark Davis & photography Ged Barrow [Rockpool pub,2010] Our Churches Future Story (2026 ed) Shoreline Conversation Packs [Mark Davis] Start a Conversation: Starter Cards [Frontier Youth Trust] Talking Jesus. Talking Jesus. org. [Hope pub, 2018] Talking of God with Others: Sharing your faith [Methodist Church, 2019] Time to Talk of God [Methodist Church, 2005] 40

Transforming Conversation We hope this will help you with your future conversations. Brochure designed by the TC Team with special thanks to Georgia and Peter © Sept 2026

Transforming Conversation