The Difference

After travelling to several countries and learned how the churches and communities operate there, we identified three specific areas which we feel can bring transformation to our own local context.

The Difference

After travelling to several countries and learned how the churches and communities operate there, we identified three specific areas which we feel can bring transformation to our own local context.

Church – Community Transformation

We enable churches to build authentic relationships and partnerships in local communities to work through a holistic approach that rejuvenates lives and allows people to step into that fullness of life talked of by Jesus.

It is a process that enables the church to take time to listen to God, to each other and to their local community, strengthening or developing new relationships as they move forward.

Transformation Leadership Programme

This program is a process of journeying with those ministering in areas that are socio-economically deprived. Thrive Ireland has adapted a unique Leadership development programme successfully developed by Tearfund called Inspired Individuals.

We spent some time researching the needs of such leaders. They suffer isolation, stress and burnout and lack the personal skills and resilience required to thrive in such a demanding ministry environment. Across the denominations, our Transformation Leadership Programme brings leaders into groups or cohorts of others in similar ministry, for mutual support and learning.

Each leader begins with a specially developed self-assessment of their own development needs, and specific training is offered in Leadership, Organisational & Strategic development, Self-care, and Resilience. One on one coaching, mentoring and pastoral care is an integral part of the process.

Learning from Global Peacebuilding

Thrive Ireland has identified ministries from the Church in Africa which has something to bring to the Church in Ireland. This has enabled the production of a series of four Bible studies looking at how the Church in Rwanda engaged and responded within the community and political context following the Genocide.

Churches in Zimbabwe have led the way in modelling speaking truth, speaking out against injustice and bringing change both locally and regionally. They have developed a biblical model which we are enabling the churches in Ireland to explore and see what learning there is for us in our own context.

“The programme helped with difficult conversations and resilience in conflict and helped me to be kinder to myself.”

Rev. David Campton, Belfast Central Mission.
“This programme has greatly helped me in the area of personal resilience and self-care. It has given me permission to take care of myself and has motivated me to do so. This has been through sharing experiences, challenges and difficulties with others in a confidential environment, however, always in a positive and constructive spirit.”

Rev. Colin Duncan Shankill and Woodvale Methodist
“Our focus in the area of advocacy has become stronger and the impact of our ministry has widened – it made me take stock in this area and think out each action and plan in light of how it will impact change. I am deeply grateful for the help from the programme in this area.”

Ed Peterson, Clonard Monastery

“The programme helped with difficult conversations and resilience in conflict and helped me to be kinder to myself.”

Rev. David Campton, Belfast Central Mission.
“This programme has greatly helped me in the area of personal resilience and self-care. It has given me permission to take care of myself and has motivated me to do so. This has been through sharing experiences, challenges and difficulties with others in a confidential environment, however, always in a positive and constructive spirit.”

Rev. Colin Duncan Shankill and Woodvale Methodist
“Our focus in the area of advocacy has become stronger and the impact of our ministry has widened – it made me take stock in this area and think out each action and plan in light of how it will impact change. I am deeply grateful for the help from the programme in this area.”

Ed Peterson, Clonard Monastery