Transforming
Conversation
Transforming
Conversation
Transforming Conversation is based on a belief that participating in intentional, facilitated conversation can be a transformative process. It offers a specific method and process but recognises that the skills and experiences it provides can have positive effects beyond the group settings it promotes.
It is a modern form of the ancient tradition of spiritual conversation and aims to encourage conversations about things that matter to people of any faith and belief, or none. It is rooted in the Christian tradition but seeks to engage in a way which is inclusive and equitable, offering a safe place to share and explore ideas and beliefs.
Vision
A community of inspired and confident people engaging in transformative
conversation about life, belief and faith.
The TC Community is open to everyone who wants to maintain a connection with Transforming Conversation and who has attended training or been involved with TC or its predecessor (Christian Communities in Conversation) or Shoreline (which was foundational in the setting up of CCiC).
Mission Statement
Support and assist people to engage in meaningful communication through the
facilitation of transformational conversation.
Aim:
To create, identify and cultivate communities of people able to graciously hear and
share widely different views that enable change and transformation.
Objectives:
- Be a missional community that empowers and equips participants in using
transformative conversation in their own context. - Provide opportunities for ongoing training and continuing development in
transformational conversation and reflective practice. - Raise awareness to the benefits of transformational conversation.
- Facilitate transformational conversation in a range of contexts.
- Provide accessible and relevant resources linked to transformational conversation.
- Support new and existing communities/groups through facilitating transformational
conversations.
Be kept informed
Our regular newsletter is the easiest way to stay up to date with the latest Transforming Conversation updates, providing information about Community of Practice Meetings, Gathering Days, Training Opportunities and other events. It also includes feedback from Conversation Groups, Facilitators and Coaches and highlights resource materials and links to other related initiatives.
Spring Term Community Conversations
Wednesday 27th May 7-8pm
Stimulus – why we choose what we do!
Providing appropriate stimulus material and resources for a Transforming Conversation plays an important part in a successful conversation. It can also be a helpful way to offer a focus or help people think more widely about any topic in a range of other settings. However, designing stimulus can be a frightening thing if you’re not quite sure how to go about it and often it’s even more difficult on zoom than in person.
We will look at some ‘in person’ collections as well as think about what would be good on zoom. Please bring along one item you think would fit with the theme of Rainbows and tell us why it works for you (sharing is, as always, optional).
Ruth
Ed This is part of our “broadening participation in Community Meetings” series of conversations as we prepare for the Community to take on more responsibility for the regular meetings from the Autumn.
Upcoming Dates
Following on from the 1st Wellbeing community conversation. The remaining conversations will be:
- Stimulus for Conversations (10th June)
- Groundrules (24th June)
- Resources (8th July)
- Summer Social (22nd July)
If you are a TC facilitator or someone who has experience of co-facilitating and would like to volunteer to facilitate one of these conversations, using the stimulus resources provided, please contact Ruth on training@transformingconversation.org
We look forward to this being an interesting series of conversations for 2026.
Bev
Conversation Summary
27th May
I suspect some of you reading this e-news will be enjoying the heat, while others will be really struggling with it.
So, do keep an eye out for friends and neighbours who might need a little more TLC during the hot weather, when it is easy for nerves to get frayed and tempers short.
A friendly word or 2 in the right place can be a welcome relief or perhaps you prefer to be left to yourself? One of the questions in this week’s conversation asks that question – maybe not in relation to the heat, but in normal life.
And, as we celebrated Pentecost Sunday at the weekend, the conversation will also reflect on how a small group managed to speak to crowds of listeners and change the world for ever. Blessings,
Bev
Transforming Conversation Enabler
Share Your TC Story
Do you have an interesting or uplifting story or experience about how TC has impacted you or made a difference in your life? We are looking for people willing to be recorded (audio or video) to broaden others understanding of TC: what it can do, how it works, why it’s important. These do not need to be “big” events or even part of a conversation group – we would just like to share our TC stories more widely.
For more information or to book a zoom recording, please contact bev@transformingconversation.
Church at the Margins
The Methodist Connexion has recently announced new sustainability funding to support existing Church at the Margins communities.
The South West Peninsula Methodist District is now identifying eligible projects across the District. The District must submit an Expression of Interest by 31st AUGUST 2026. The level of funding available will depend on the number of eligible projects identified.
THIS OPPORTUNITY IS OPEN TO BOTH:
- Existing New Places for New People (NPNP) communities
- Other Church at the Margins communities established within the last ten years
To support this process, you are invited to join online information/Q&A sessions on zoom with:
Revd. Loraine Mellor, Chair of the District NPNP Committee and Jeremy Ward, District Grants Officer, to find out more about the funding opportunity, eligibility criteria and next steps.
Monday 22nd June 2026 – 7-8pm
Monday 20th July 2026 – 7-8pm
If you are unable to attend but would still like to discuss this opportunity, please contact:
loraine.mellor@swpmethodist.
Bev
It is that time of the year when the Steering Group is looking to recruit new members, so we thought it would be helpful to remind the Community about our role and activities.
What does the Steering Group do? Previously, the Steering Group was used to support the work of the wider project, acting as a sounding board for the Enabler & Training Officer. However, it has been decided to simplify the role of the Steering Group. In future, it will only take responsibility to plan and coordinate the Community Meetings, including finding facilitators, as needed. The Steering Group are also responsible for arranging and/or liaising with other members of the Community to organize the occasional Gathering Day.
The Steering Group is not responsible: for training new facilitators or doing outreach or promotional work.
Steering Group membership: The current SG consists of 3 volunteers – Chris Ware, Diane O’Neill and Juanita Joy, along with Ruth Hartley (Safeguarding) and Bev Smerdon (Enabler). Anyone who has a connection with TC can become a member of the Steering Group – You do not need to be a trained facilitator to be on the SG.
We meet on zoom every 2-3 months to review the community meetings and plan the themes and facilitators for the coming term. Meeting dates and times are arranged to be convenient to the members.
Why join the steering group? It’s not all business and planning, we have an optional, social gathering usually for a meal, once a term. This is a chance for us to meet in person, have a catch up and enjoy each other’s company. The Steering Group is more than just doing the organising – we have built a friendship that we welcome others to be part of!
Any questions or for more information, please email or speak to one of the SG members. Email contact via admin@
With thanks,
Steering Group
Click Here for More Information
The National Conversation is a UK-wide listening initiative, inviting people right across the country to share what they value about community life and the kind of communities they want to build together.
Something has shifted in how people experience community life. Trust feels more fragile. Connections that once held neighbourhoods together – the school gates, the high street, the local pub, the place of worship – are harder to find in many places. And too many people feel that nobody is asking what they think about it.
We’re faced with generational questions on how we live well together and our vision for the kind of country and kind of communities we are trying to build, which is why the National Conversation gives people across the UK the chance to share their lived experiences and thoughts on what community life feels like and how we can “live well together” in the future.” Taken from thenationalconversation.org.uk
There are 2 ways to get involved:
- Take the Online Survey
- Host your own Group Conversation Session
To find out more visit https://www.
You can download all the resources needed to host a group conversation, including a promotional pack with newsletter content and social media logos and images. (You may be surprised at how familiar it all sounds!)
For additional information about the cross-party commission behind this development visit https://www.
Wellbeing Resources
District Wellbeing Officer Tracey Collins and Ruth have created a new conversation resource, based around the 5 pillars of wellbeing. These resources will be available early in the New Year.
If you are interested in finding out more about this series of conversations and how it could be used with a group in your Church or Community, please contact Ruth training@transformingconversation.org or Tracey on wellbeing@swpmethodist.org.uk
District Resources
District Information
Online Church Services
Contact Us
t: 07514640065
District Office Address:
18 Vewell Road
EX4 4LE
Exeter, Devon
District Resources
Online Church Services
Contact Us
t: 07514640065
District Office Address:
18 Vewell Road
EX4 4LE
Exeter, Devon