Program Overview

Foundations in Conflict Transformation and Reconciliation

The Foundations in Conflict Transformation and Reconciliation (FCTR) program is facilitated by scholars and practitioners in the field of conflict transformation from Duke University and other institutions. This certificate provides timely learning opportunities for pastors and other church leaders seeking spiritual disciplines and practical skills for healthier relationships and to foster transformation and reconciliation in their communities.

Overview

Through this 13-month comprehensive introduction, participants will cultivate theological foundations, spiritual disciplines, and practical skills to nurture healthier relationships with God, their families, congregations, neighbors, and all of creation as they seek just peace. The program seeks to foster personal and collective dispositions for conflict transformation and reconciliation amid division.

In addition to exploring their moral imagination, participants will learn to use practical tools such as deep listening, conflict coaching, and circle processes. Cohort members will gain knowledge and will increase their self-awareness about implicit biases and other attitudes that may create barriers between individuals and communities.

The FCTR offers a hybrid program to accommodate personal, pastoral, and professional obligations. Four in-person seminars and nine online re-imagination sessions over 13 months allow the participants to apply the Word Made Flesh methodology for contextual theology, engage in circle and other restorative processes, and experience conflict coaching, peer-mentoring, and collaboration.

This program uses a cohort model through which participants discover the potential for conflict transformation and reconciliation as they journey in deeper spiritual growth and authentic group engagement.

Requirements

The FCTR is primarily designed to serve pastors and church leadership teams. Aspiring participants from Methodist congregations in North Carolina qualify for free tuition. Preference is given to teams over individual participants.

All participants are required to:

• Attend four in-person seminars.
• Attend at least eight of nine live 90-minute sessions on Zoom.
• Complete five short asynchronous assignments and practical exercises.

Cost

The program cost is $3000. Thanks to The Duke Endowment's support, the CFR will cover the tuition costs for pastors and church leaders of United Methodist, African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, Christian Methodist Episcopal, Union American Methodist Episcopal, and First African Union Methodist Protestant churches in North Carolina.

Christian leaders who are based outside of North Carolina or who are not Methodist may contact the program staff for more information.

Program Staff

The program staff includes:

• Dr. Vilma “Nina” Balmaceda, Program Director
• Leslie Gilbert, Program Coordinator

Program Details

Participants at this certificate level will deepen their learning in these areas:

• Communicating through authentic and transparent conversation on difficult issues
• Hosting and reimagining covenants and liturgies that foster transformation and reconciliation in the church and the community
• Applying the restorative approach to conflict transformation as distinct from conflict resolution
• Navigating liminal spaces
• Growing in understanding through deep listening
• Engaging in coaching others and facilitating circle processes

Admissions and Aid

The university offers various degree programs, including Master's and Doctoral degrees, as well as standalone and degree-based certificates. The admissions process and aid options vary depending on the program.

Academics

The university offers a range of academic programs, including:

• Master's Degrees:
  • Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
  • Hybrid Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
  • Master of Arts in Christian Practice (M.A.)
  • Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
  • Master of Theology (Th.M.)
• Doctoral Degrees:
  • Doctor of Theology (Th.D.)
  • Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Hybrid Online Degrees and Programs
• Dual Degrees & Programs
• Standalone Certificates
• Degree-Based Certificates
• Field Education
• Study Abroad
• Academic Resources

Centers and Initiatives

The university has various centers and initiatives, including:

• Houses of Study:
  • Anglican Episcopal House of Studies
  • Asian House of Studies
  • Baptist House of Studies
  • Hispanic House of Studies
  • Methodist House of Studies
  • Office of Black Church Studies
  • Presbyterian/Reformed House of Studies
• Initiatives:
  • Center for Reconciliation
  • Clergy & Religion Research Collaborative
  • Duke Initiatives in Theology and the Arts
  • Fons Vitae Catholic Initiative
  • Leadership Education at Duke Divinity
  • Let the Children Come Initiative
  • Theology, Medicine, and Culture
  • Thriving Rural Communities
  • Traditioned Innovation Project
  • Wesleyan Initiatives & Programs

Faculty

The university has a diverse faculty with expertise in various areas, including:

• Faculty Directory
• Faculty Books
• Faculty Experts
• Faculty in the Media