3 Practice Circle Training

A new way to lead conversations that build trust, curiosity, and deeper connection in the church.

Save Your Spot
SUS-3-Practice-Circles

When & Where

September 9 & 10, 2026

Grace United Methodist Church
127 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Centre Hall, PA 16828

Day 1: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Gather at 10:00 a.m.)
Day 2: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Gather at 9:00 a.m.)

  • Lunch provided both days
  • Parking available next to the church and across the street
  • In-person training experience

Cost

Original value: $500 per person
Underwritten rate: $250 per person
Conference-subsidized cost: $75 per person

Includes
All materials, lunch for both days, 1 CEU credit, Certification pathway

Refund Policy

  • Full refund available up to 3 weeks before event
  • $20 processing fee retained
  • No refunds after cutoff date

What You'll Learn

Across two days, participants will engage in hands-on practice:

Day 1
  • Session 1: Introduction to 3 Practice Circles
  • Session 2: Core facilitation skills
  • Session 3: Guided practice circles
Day 2
  • Session 4: Advanced applications in church settings
  • Final Practice Session: Leading and reflecting
  • Sending Forth: Integration into ministry contexts

Why It Matters

We are living in a time when it can be difficult to truly know our neighbor - or even talk across differences with people we already know.

The church is called to be different.

3 Practice Circles offer a practical, repeatable framework for conversation rooted in curiosity, listening, and mutual respect.

You will learn how to:

  • Lead conversations that reduce defensiveness and increase trust
  • Facilitate Bible studies with deeper participation
  • Create space for honest storytelling and listening
  • Navigate disagreement without division
  • Build healthier relationships in your congregation and community

This is not theory. It is practiced, repeatable, and immediately usable.

How You Can Use This

3 Practice Circles can be used for:

  • Bible Studies
  • Story Circles (spiritual formation sharing)
  • Support Circles (care, prayer, encouragement)
  • Discovery Circles (hard conversations done well)
  • Decision-Making Circles
  • Community Listening Circles
  • Next Generation conversations

What Participants Are Saying

  • "It was my job to vet training programs and certify our trainers. Most of what I encountered was fluff - content our leaders couldn't easily apply. I know effective training when I see it, and the 3Practice Circle Leader training passes the test."

    -Claire Bowen
    Senior Consultant, Candler Center for Christian Leadership (Emory University)

  • "As a deacon who works in the local church and on the conference level, I've seen and experienced the power and the potential of 3Practice Circles... a portable, purposeful tool that I know would have helped us see and hear each other with deeper clarity and kindness in the painful season of disaffiliation."

    -Rev. Teresa Love Edwards
    Pastor, Certified 3Practice Referee and Trainer, South Georgia Conference

  • "I am deeply impressed by the potential of 3Practice Circles to transform our world into a kinder, more empathetic place... I am confident that adding 3Practice Circles into our toolbox will foster deeper, more meaningful conversation throughout our state."

    -Rev. Kim Jenne
    Director of Connectional Ministries, Missouri Conference

  • "Whether navigating a difficult topic or exploring a new subject, everyone feels heard and valued... As a United Methodist, I see this as a powerful return to our Wesleyan roots in the best possible way."

    -Dr. Scott Hagan
    District Superintendent, South Georgia Conference