Courageous Conversations
Creating brave space one conversation at a time
Creating brave space for courageous conversations to take place is part of Spiritual Life’s commitment to be with students as they explore their faith in a community that will welcome and challenge them.
Commitments for Conversation
In this community, we celebrate all people are created in the image of God and as such are valued, cherished, and treated with dignity. As we sit with one another, we are invited to hold this truth and see ourselves and each other in this way.
This truth allows us to bear witness to each other’s stories with an awareness that our diverse perspectives and backgrounds matter. This truth also calls us to engage with each other from a place of humility, grace, and compassion.
In a courageous conversation, it is important to make sure that all participants feel seen and heard to the extent that they wish to engage in conversation. Commitments for Conversation allow all participants to come as equals to the conversation.
Set aside the distractions of things undone from yesterday and things to do tomorrow. Be here and nowhere else. Welcome others into this sharing space with an open mind and accepting heart. Presume you are welcome here as well.
Make room for another’s soul to “show up.” You are not here to set someone else straight, right a wrong, or provide therapy. Don’t listen just to respond or to make your next point. Listen to what is being said and has been left unsaid. Pay attention to your own emotions and the emotions of others.
Author your own story, and speak for yourself and from your own understanding. Your words are valid
because they are yours. Find the courage to tell your story and recognize the same courage in others as they speak to share their story.
Rather than using silence to gain an advantage, allow silence to be a pause, time to think, or time to rest.
Silence reminds us that we are all human, and sometimes, you just need a minute. Honor silence as it
provides rest for the body, heart, mind, and soul.
Treat others with the same kindness and understanding by which you hope to be treated. We are here to
witness God’s presence and movement in the sacred stories we share.
President’s Courageous Conversation Series
This monthly series brings together the Campbell community for conversations around vital topics that matter, and reflect Campbell’s commitment to graduate students with exemplary academic and professional skills who are prepared for purposeful lives and meaningful service.
Conversations range from explorations of leadership in underserved communities to important topics in Christian higher education and the global community.
Learn more
Our Place at the Table
Update: Our Place at the Table has been temporarily suspended as our campus practices careful COVID-19 protocols. We look forward to welcoming our community back for this event when it’s safe to gather for a meal.
Our Place at the Table brings students, faculty and staff together to share a meal while having conversation about a challenging topic in a space created for learning, mutual respect, grace and hospitality.
Our Place at the Table is held once a semester and planned with the assistance of students, faculty and members of the Spiritual Life staff. Topics for discussion are chosen each semester based on world events, the suggestions of students and the felt need of our campus community.