This list of learning events includes both those organised by the CMD Team at Church House and a curated selection of external opportunities, in date order.
Bookings for our learning events usually close about a week in advance. If you would like to attend a Church House learning event after bookings have closed, please email us and we will try to accommodate late registrations.
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All | Theology | Bible | Ministry Skills | Leadership | Mission | Wellbeing & Resilience | Rest & Renewal | Learning Communities | Ministry Milestones | Misc
Godly Play - Training (External)
14th - 16th September 2026, St Mark’s Church Leamington Spa
A three-day accredited course led by members of the College of Trainers of Godly Play UK. This training enables you to use the Godly Play method and understand its principles. The training follows an action/reflection model of learning, through hands-on experience and reflection, rather than lectures. A certificate of completion is awarded at the end of the course. The Trainers for this course are Peter Privett and Cathryn Hoard.
Rural Mission Day
Wednesday 23rd September, 10am - 3.30pm
St Mary's, Long Crendon
Who is it for?: This event is specifically for Clergy.
Come and 'dream small' with rural clergy colleagues and enjoy sharing missional experiences and ideas (including the possibility of setting up regular meetups for those exploring mission in Rural contexts). We hope to share best practice, pray for each other, read Scripture and reflect on God’s calling on us with an eye to how we bring more people to faith in Christ and share his love in and with our communities 'wholistically'. The CMD Team would also like to listen and hear what would best support you in this rural ministry to which God has called you.
Lunch is provided.
Equipped for Ministry: Science and the Life of the Church (External)
2026: Mondays 21st Sept, 12th Oct, 16th Nov.
2027: Mondays 18th Jan, 22nd Feb, 22 Mar.
Online: 7.30-9.30pm
Worship, teaching, pastoral care… At the Faraday Institute we are well aware of the ways in which science can speak fruitfully into the core activities of the Church’s ministry and mission. For example, images of distant galaxies can inspire wonder and worship, science is a source of modern parables to help the whole congregation, including scientifically minded people, to see the Bible with fresh eyes, and pastoral care is often informed by psychology. The life of the Church also feeds into science. For instance, many scientists find their Christian faith inspires them to value, explore and take care of creation – human as well as everything else – and prompts consideration of the limits of the experimental method. We and those in our network want to grow in learning how to live out these principles of faith informing science and science informing faith in our teaching and service in our own churches and beyond. What wisdom can we draw from science to help us in different areas of church life? How can key aspects of Christian faith feed into science?
Details and booking here.
Effective Line Management
Tuesday 29th September, 10am - 3.30pm
Church House Oxford
Who is it for?: This workshop is particularly suited to incumbents, church wardens, and others with leadership responsibility (whether paid or volunteer). This workshop will offer practical guidance, shared learning, and reassurance.
An opportunity to explore good practice when managing paid staff and volunteers in churches. Led by members of the HR team, this workshop will equip anyone with a role in managing people with essential skills in communication, performance management, delegation, and coaching to boost team performance and engagement. Key topics include conducting one-to-ones, providing feedback, managing teams, and handling HR issues like absence and discipline.
Through a mix of input and guided discussion, the workshop will provide space to reflect on real-life scenarios commonly faced in parish ministry, such as managing performance for staff, handling conflict, and supporting staff wellbeing, whilst ensuring we are rooted in the values and responsibilities of the Church of England.
Lunch is provided.
Preparing for Advent: Rediscovering the Kingdom of God
Thursday 1st October, 10am - 3.30pm
Church House Oxford
In Advent, we look forward to the coming of the kingdom and encourage our congregations to do this. However, there are many competing visions of the kingdom around in our churches. This day, led by Rev. Dr Andy Angel, Director Of Formation for Oxford Diocese, will look at the teachings of Jesus (primarily from Matthew, Mark, and Luke) to question two popular understandings of the kingdom, assess whether and how far they fit the data we have about the kingdom in the gospels, and construct an understanding of the kingdom which fits the data more fully.
Lunch is provided.
Emotionally Healthy Leadership - Learning Community (External)
1st Semester: 8 weeks ONLINE from Wednesday 7th October - Wednesday 9th December, 9.30am - 12 noon
2nd Semester: 8 weeks ONLINE in Spring Term dates tbc (online)
Who is it for?: For all Clergy, Lay Leaders and Team Leaders.
This is an online learning community that meets for a total of 16 weeks in two 8 week blocks in the Spring and the Autumn. It covers both spiritual health in the form of spiritual and contemplative practices that sustain us such as silence and solitude and sabbath keeping as well as emotional health in the form of Emotionally Healthy Relationship skills such as Incarnational Listening, Clarifying Expectation or Exploring the Iceberg of our emotions.
The Autum Semester runs from Wed 7th October - Wed 9th December (with a two week break for half term). See the Syllabus and Course Requirements here.
Details and booking here
or contact Rev Danny Wignall at danny.wignall@cofeguildford.org.uk or 07544 425408 for more information.
(Pete W - If you are not familiar with Pete Scazzero's book 'Emotionally Healthy Spirituality' give it a read here. As a Christian, Scazzero admits to routinely having avoided healthy conflict, suppressed or ignored emotions, used work for God as an excuse to run from God, and living a hurried life without limits. He unpacks core biblical principles that guide us into a lasting, beneath-the-surface transformation in your life with Christ. I regularly gave this book to members of my congregation to read!)
Leaders Retreat For Under 40's (External)
Thurs 15th Oct 12pm – Fri 16th Oct 2pm
Ripon College, Cuddesdon
Who is it for? All clergy and lay ministry leaders under the age of 40
Run by CPAS: A 24-hour residential retreat for church leaders and those carrying significant leadership responsibility in the church who are under 40. A valuable opportunity to step away from the demands of ministry, with space for worship, prayer, teaching and reflection, and to connect with other leaders from across the country.
Cost: £110 (Early bird rate: £70 before 31 Aug). If cost is an issue please contact CPAS for help.
Where Stillness Sparks Spiritual Growth (External)
Friday 16th October 2026, 9:30am – 4:00pm
St Katherine’s, Parmoor, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 6NN
Who is it for?: Anyone involved in children's & young people's ministry; School Teachers
A practical training day run by BeSpace in partnership with Wycombe Deanery, designed for churches and schools to explore together how stillness and contemplative practices can support children’s spiritual growth and wellbeing. Through shared experience, reflection, and practical ideas, including retreats, pilgrimages and prayer spaces; participants will be equipped to create spaces for spiritual development within school life.
We particularly encourage people to attend as a church and school partnership, where possible, so that ideas can be explored, developed and applied together.
Cost £10. Lunch provided.
Autumn Retreat
Wed 21st Oct 10am - 3.30pm
Yarnton Manor, Church Lane Yanton, Kidlington, OX5 1PY
Who is it for?: All Clergy and Lay Ministers
Enjoy a day of rest and renewal at beautiful Yarnton Manor.
Retreat Program and more details forthcoming. Lunch is provided.
Oxford Diocese Low Income Communities (LInC) Ministry Conference
22 Oct 2026, 9.30am – 4pm
Reading Gateway Church, South Reading, RG2 8DE.
Who is it for? Clergy, Lay leaders, Ministry teams, NWC practitioners & Pioneers, and CYP & Family workers.
The Oxford Diocese Low Income Communities (LInC) Network Conference is a day of inspiration, encouragement and practical learning for anyone passionate about serving in and alongside low-income communities. The conference will explore mission, discipleship, justice and community transformation in areas of deprivation. It's an opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners, hear stories of hope and connect with others from across the Diocese who share a heart for seeing God's Kingdom flourish in social housing estates and low-income neighbourhoods.
The day will feature keynote talks from Bishop Mary Gregory, Revd Dr Cris Rogers, Revd Preb Helen Shannon and Revd Ben Woodfield, alongside opportunities to meet mission partners including Proximity, Kids Matter, Christians Against Poverty (CAP), Parish Nursing Ministries UK, Missional Church Network and CCX.
Breakfast (coffee & pastries) & Lunch are provided free of charge!
PCC Day: Exploring the Practicalities of Leading a PCC (External)
Thursday 5th November, 10am-4pm, Hope Church, Chesham.
Who is it for? Clergy, Lay Ministers, PCC Lay Chairs
Run by CPAS: Fun, faith-filled and fruitful PCCs make such a difference to the life of a church. But they aren't always like this. CPAS are on a mission to make PCC meetings the best meeting people attend. And we not only believe it is possible, but have a track record of helping church leaders make the most of their PCCs. On this day we'll explore the practicalities of leading a PCC, including: Identifying the common dysfunctions; Creating a code of conduct; Crafting great agendas; Handling difficult discussions; Working well together so that everyone contributes their best; Managing multiple PCCs across a multi-parish benefice. Details and booking here (£45)
Remaking After Trauma: The Role of the Church (External)
Sat 7th Nov 2026, 9.30am - 4.30pm
Westminster College Cambridge & Online
Around 70% of adults have at least one traumatic experience at some point in their lives. For many people around the world, these experiences will be multiple, deep or lasting. In some circumstances, being a Christian can result in an increased risk of trauma. In nearly every setting, Christians have the opportunity to serve others who have been traumatised. How can the church support people who have experienced trauma, and do so in biblically and theologically informed ways? How can we become aware of the impact of trauma at multiple levels? How can we support each other, and those in our wider communities, through traumatic experiences? What does post-traumatic growth, or remaking after trauma, look like? Join us to explore this vital area of the Church’s work, alongside experienced practitioners and teachers. This course is designed as continuing professional development for church leaders, as well as training for active church members and parachurch volunteers. A certificate of attendance can be supplied on request.
Details and booking here.
Studying the Lectionary Gospel: Mark
Sat 21st November, 10am - 3.30pm
Church House Oxford
Tues 24th November, 10am - 3.30pm
Yarnton Manor
Led by Rev. Dr Andy Angel, this learning event will explore some of the background and important themes of Mark's Gospel - the gospel for Year B. Together, we will journey through the unfolding Christological plot in the Gospel of Mark, discovering how Mark develops his, and our understanding of Jesus throughout his narrative. We will also explore some of the evidence as to what Mark believes and proclaims the 'good news' of Jesus Christ is, and whether we might understand it as 'the victory of God and the peace established thereby through self-sacrifice and ultimately the cross'.
Revd Dr Andy Angel is the Director of Formation for Ministry and Warden of Readers in the Diocese of Oxford. He has spent a decade plus in parish ministry and a decade plus teaching in seminaries. He has published books and articles in biblical studies, his main research work being in Divine Warrior myth and apocalyptic in the gospels and Second Temple Judaism.
Lunch is provided. (NOTE: 24th is a repeat of 21st)
Book 21 November Book 24 November
ReEquip: A Day On The Story Of Joseph In Genesis - Prof. John Lennox (External)
Wed 9th Dec, 9.30am - 3.30pm
Yarnton Manor
It’s one of the most gripping stories in all of Scripture, and one of the most pastorally rich. Sibling rivalry. Betrayal. Slavery. Temptation. Wrongful imprisonment. Sudden and dramatic reversal. And then, in one of the most moving scenes in all literature, forgiveness offered to the very brothers who tried to destroy him. Few narratives in the Bible carry such weight for those of us who walk with people through suffering, injustice, broken families and the long, slow work of forgiveness.
John Lennox has spent decades immersed in the relationship between faith, reason and Scripture, and in recent years has turned his attention to the great Old Testament narratives – Daniel, Joseph, Abraham – tracing what he calls the “seed project”: the thread that runs from Genesis through the whole Bible, of God’s grace and purpose worked out through flawed, messy and suffering people.
This day is an invitation to sit with this story slowly – not just as a sermon resource, but as a narrative that has something to say to us about our own sufferings, our own temptations, and our own capacity (or otherwise) to forgive.
£15 includes lunch.
Understanding & Responding To Christian Nationalism
Tues 12th Jan, 9.30am - 1.00pm
Church House Oxford
Who is it for?: Anyone
How might churches respond to polarised politics, culture wars, or nationalist narratives? Join a half-day session to unpack some of the theology and ideology behind Christian Nationalism, that will help churches and leaders to recognise its influence, understand its theological roots, and navigate challenging conversations with confidence, wisdom, and compassion
. This session will include space to consider your own context, and how you can strengthen healthy discipleship, rooted in the gospel and committed to the flourishing of all.
Led by Rev. Dr Helen Paynter: Executive Dir. of the Centre for the Study of the Bible and Violence. An Old Testament scholar by training, Helen works on the interpretation of biblical violence, and the weaponisation of the Bible in a violent world. Since 2022 she has been leading a project looking at the use of Scripture and Christian imagery by far-right groups and has authored and edited several books on this issue.
This learning event is hosted by the Social Justice (Discipleship) Team, with CMD.
Lunch is provided.
Pastoral Care: Divine Spaces or Wounding Encounters
Wed 27th Jan, 10am - 4.00pm tbc
The Barns, Christ Church Abingdon OX14 1XP
Who is it for?: Clergy, Lay Ministers, Pastoral Care Teams
The Church is called to be a community marked by mutual love for one another. Indeed, Jesus declared that it is by our love for one another that the world would know we are his disciples. Nevertheless, there are times when it can be profoundly difficult to know how to express this love. Sometimes the pastoral space can become flooded by feelings from past experiences. As these historic dynamics emerge into the present, both clergy and congregants can feel overwhelmed, disoriented, and isolated.
This training day will seek to raise awareness and understanding of how past experiences can create challenges in pastoral care, while also helping all ministers of pastoral care (Clergy, Lay Ministers, Pastoral Care Teams, etc) to develop confidence in responding to these challenges. We will explore psychological work on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), attachment patterns, and projections, as well as how we might understanding these phenomena theologically. In doing so we will consider, Christ's presence amidst suffering, our adoption as Children of God, and what it means to remember our past with God. At the heart of the day will be an exploration of the role of all ministers of pastoral care, emphasising how we are called to witness to God, as opposed to being charged to make all things right.
This Learning Event is led by: Prof. Josh Horden (Professor of Ethics at Oxford University), Dr Daniel Maugham (Consultant Pyschiatrist, Oxon), Gwen Adshead (Consultant Forensic Pyschiatrist & Pyschotherapist) and Rev. Dr Ed Stroud (Research Fellow at Faculty Of Theology & Religion, Oxford University).
This learning event will draw on real-life narratives of pastoral encounters, making sure that the discussion is rooted in the lived reality of ministry.
Please bring your own lunch.
Transforming Conflict 1: Leadership, Discipleship and Community (External)
31st Jan - 5th Feb 2027
Bestwood Lodge, Nottingham NG5 8HT
Who is it for?: This course is designed to help anyone in a church leadership role who is looking for encouragement to face conflict constructively.
Leading and living well with difference: Bridge-Builders' flagship course, designed for those with leadership responsibility, laying the foundation for recognising our call as Christian disciples to live well with difference and tension. Five days packed with opportunities to learn through teaching, group work, skills practice, prayer and personal reflection. Conflict is a normal and inevitable part of life, yet leaders often feel ill-prepared to face conflict, and disturbed that it is present in Christian communities.
ReEquip: Not So With You: Power & Leadership Dynamics In Christian Ministry (External)
Wed 3rd Feb, 9.30am - 3.30pm
Yarnton Manor
Power is one of those things ministry leaders are trained to preach about but rarely trained to hold. We can quote Philippians 2 in our sleep, but knowing what to do when we’re the one setting the agenda, shaping the culture, holding the authority – that’s a different matter.
Left unexamined, power doesn’t disappear because we’re uncomfortable naming it. It just goes underground, shaping how we lead through unspoken assumptions and quiet self-protection rather than anything we’ve thought through – and the cost usually lands on the people we lead.
Dr Mark Stirling has spent years wrestling with this, as a pastor and now as he trains others for ministry at Highland Theological College and the Chalmers Institute as well as Oakhill College. This reEquip day is a chance to think that through properly – what power actually is, and what it looks like to lead well… rather than merely lead.
£15 includes lunch.
SAVE THE DATE: New Worshipping Communities / Planting / Pioneering / Fx Networking Day
Wed 24th Feb, 11.00am - 1.30pm
Venue: TBC
A day for practitioners to connect! If you are involved in New Worshipping Communities, Church Planting, Pioneering, or Fresh Expressions, come and enjoy some time both connecting with others, encouraging and being encouraged, learning, praying and discovering what God is doing around the Diocese.
This Meetup will include the opportunity to give your thoughts on creating a Learning Community for your specialism, or in your area, that will enable you to connect, learn, reflect and share experiences and practice more regularly with others. Please be praying on whether that would be something that you'd benefit from.
Booking link forthcoming!
SAVE THE DATE: 'Hope For All Creation'
Thurs 4th March, 10.00am - 4.00pm
Venue: TBC
Who is it for?: Anyone
Led by +Mary, Bishop of Reading with Margot & Martin Hodson, 'Hope For All Creation' is a key theological response from the Church Of England to the environmental crises - the first for some time, containing new insights and applications. This Learning Event will include theological teaching and practical application for everyone considering how to respond well and locally to the Climate Crisis.
How might we articulate the hope for all creation in our everyday lives, as well as our teaching and preaching, amidst world climate events? If you are participating in Creationtide events, thinking about how your building contributes to creation care, or wanting to create a greenspace or a community garden, this will help equip you with the practical theology to support these activities.
This learning event is from the OD Discipleship: Creation Care Team, in partnership with CMD.
Lunch is provided.
Booking link forthcoming!
Transforming Conflict 1: Leadership, Discipleship and Community for Senior Leaders (External)
18th - 23rd April 2027
Wydale Hall, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO13 9DG
Who is it for?: This course is designed specifically for those in senior Christian leadership roles who are looking for skills and encouragement to face conflict constructively.
Conflict is a normal and inevitable part of life, yet leaders often feel ill-prepared to face conflict, and disturbed that it is present in a Christian community. It is focussed on conflict in church and other Christian settings, and through the themes of leadership, discipleship and community will help you to be a more resilient leader, and to understand more of the work of reconciliation in practice for a community of faithful disciples. Drawing on the Bridge Builders’ theological roots in the Mennonite tradition, the course explores the call of all Christians to be entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, that begins with facing and blessing enemies, and calls us to live faithfully in a spirit of power, of love and of self-control.