In the current social and political climate, divisions and tensions within society can so
easily spill over into our churches. Over recent months the Churches Together in
Luton Executive have been thinking and praying as to how we can help build our
unity as a church in the town in the face of all that is going on.
We are commending to our all churches the Difference Course to be run across the
town during Lent, which starts on Wednesday 18 February 2026. Initially produced
for the Church of England, the Difference Course is suitable for anyone. It consists of
5 weekly sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. Extensive resources are downloadable
for free, including participants guide, host guide and relevant videos. Hard copies are
available to purchase but are not needed.
The course creates a safe context where differences of all types can be explored in a
Biblical way. Exploring differences between Christians equip us to help those in the
wider world explore differences.
We are excited that Luton Unite are considering running the youth version of the
course in parallel.
We would ask you to engage in this programme in one of the following ways.
1. You could run the course as a church during Lent, either in your church’s
regular small groups or centrally as a church.
2. You could work together with other churches in your geographical area to run
the course together – we know that is a common thing for some of you in
Lent.
3. You could point your congregation to join a course that will be run centrally.
This is something we would look to do together as churches in Luton. We will run a
training course for course leaders and are thrilled that Kiera Phyo who wrote the
course has generously agreed to come up to Luton to lead that and help us get off to
a good start. Alternatively, training can be done online. However, we would
encourage you to join with us, if possible, we will conclude each session with prayer
for the course to shape us.
Training sessions are on Wednesday 21 st January 2026. (Programme the same
at each.)
2.30-4.30pm Hope Church in Villa Road
7.30-9.30pm St Mary’s Church in the town centre.
More details when you book.
More information on the course is available online https://difference.rln.global/
The 5 sessions are as follows
1. God’s call – recognising our calling to be peacemakers.
2. Crossing divides – recognising our own prejudices and properly hearing
others
3. Navigating disagreements – how to disagree well
4. Practicing forgiveness – we are forgiven forgivers
5. Risky hope – the gospel by its very nature challenges people
If you want further information please contact Tony Thompson,
tony@hopechurch.co.uk.
It would help us in our planning if you would let Tony know how you will be engaging
with the course and if you will be represented at the training.
We are excited at the opportunity this brings to strengthen and build the church
together.
Best wishes
Tony Thompson
For Churches Together in Luton Exec.
