Note that, in addition to CMD's own events, the below includes a number of external events that may be of interest.
Worried you're too late to book? We typically close Eventbrite bookings a week ahead of an event, but please email us about registering late; we'd love to make space if we can.
To sign up for termly email updates about CMD events, click here and select CMD News in the list of mailing lists.
Click here for a library of resources, including recordings from previous CMD events.
Mental Health First Aid
Monday & Tuesday, 18th & 19th May 2026
9am - 5pm
Yarnton Manor and Church House Oxford
This 2-day course, run by humantalk and sponsored by the Clergy Support Trust, will equip participants with a practical framework for supporting those experiencing mental health concerns.
- Grounded in research, and developed with clinical practitioners, MHFA Is designed to enhance participants knowledge and confidence in how best to help others, whilst also looking after their own well-being
- within a church context, this programme can help participants reflect afresh on their theology of suffering, healing and recovery
- all participants will receive a 100 page printed workbook, and access to digital resources for up to three years post training, including the MHFA app which provides 24/ 7 digital support
- the training has been warmly received by cohorts of curates, parish priests, chaplains, area deans, and archdeacons
Lunch is provided.
Book Here (NOTE: **One space left**)
How Far Can Good Go Without God? The limits of a naturalistic ethic (External)
Tuesday 19th May.1-2pm, Online/Cambridge. Faraday Institute research seminar with David Lahti (Queen’s College, City University of New York). Details and booking here.
A Vocation to the Diaconate: Could God be Calling You?
Monday 1st June 2026 On Zoom: An evening zoom gathering organised by CENDD (Church of England Network for Distinctive Deacons) for those considering, exploring or discerning a vocation as a Distinctive Deacon. An opportunity to share journeys, ask questions and hear from Distinctive Deacons in the Church of England. Further details and zoom link will be available nearer the time, or email CENDD for more information.
Evolution: Inevitable or Remarkable? (External)
Tuesday 2nd June.1-2pm, Online/Cambridge. Faraday Institute research seminar with Peter Jeavons (University of Oxford). Details and booking here.
Poetry of Grief, Joy and the Spiritual Search (External)
Tuesday 2nd June 2026, 5.30pm, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford: Christopher Southgate and Roger Wagner join us for an evening of poetry; reflecting on loss, excitement and biblical themes. Details and booking here (£6.50)
The Imperfect Pastor: Finding freedom in weakness, limits, and the ordinary work of ministry (External)
Friday 5th June 2026, 9.30am-5.30pm, Yarnton Manor. Nr Oxford: Part of Yarnton's monthly reEquip series: Ministry has a way of exposing us. The gap between who we feel we ought to be as pastors and who we actually are can become a source of quiet shame – or, if we let it, a place of unexpected grace. Drawing on his book The Imperfect Pastor, Zack Eswine invites us to rediscover the freedom of being a localised, embodied, ordinary human being in ministry – not despite our limits, but through them. This day will explore what it means to resist the pressure to be everywhere, fix everything, and know everything, and to find in Jesus the one who bears what we were never meant to carry. Details and booking here (£15 including lunch)
Oxford Ministers' Summer Retreat
Thursday 9th June 2026
10am - 3.30pm
Yarnton Manor, Near Oxford
Take some time to step back from the demands of ministry, reconnect with God, and share fellowship with others, within the beautiful setting of Yarnton Manor. Through guided sessions, prayer, and quiet time, we hope this retreat will refresh and encourage you in your ministry.
Led by John and Annie Hughes. Lunch Provided.
Book Here (NOTE: **One space left**)
CPAS Webinar: Spiritual Development vs. Christian Discipleship: Building Shared Theology for Schools and Churches (External)
Wednesday 10th June 2026, 1.00pm-3.00pm: What is spiritual development, and how does it differ from Christian discipleship? This session offers space for schools and churches to explore and clarify their theology around these concepts, helping both partners understand their unique roles and shared opportunities. Details and booking here. (£20 per person)
Hiring and Managing Staff in Churches
Thursday 11th June 2026
10am - 3.30pm
Church House Oxford
A supportive and practical workshop for clergy and church leaders who have responsibility for staff, or who are beginning to explore employing people within their parish.
Led by the Diocesan HR team, the day offers an opportunity to explore legislation and good practice in church employment, helping build confidence in your role as a Christian employer. It covers the key stages of the employee journey, including recruitment, day‑to‑day management, wellbeing, and navigating more challenging situations with care and integrity.
Through a mix of input and guided discussion, the workshop provides space to reflect on real‑life scenarios commonly faced in parish ministry, such as managing performance, handling conflict, and supporting staff wellbeing, always rooted in the values and responsibilities of the Church of England.
This workshop is particularly suited to incumbents, wardens, and others with leadership responsibility, offering practical guidance, shared learning, and reassurance.
Lunch is provided.
Freedom and Liberation in Exodus
Monday 15th June 2026
10.00am-3.30pm
St Andrew's Church, Linton Road, North Oxford.
Study Day with Jenni Williams
The Book of Exodus tells the story of the Lord’s first salvation act for his people. Come and join us as we explore the richness and complexity of this story. We’ll explore the difficult texts, the unfamiliar ones and think through together how we can preach and teach the Book of Exodus in a way that is relevant for our churches today.
Revd Dr Jenni Williams is the Vicar of St Matthew’s with St Luke’s, Oxford and was formerly Tutor in Old Testament at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford.
Lunch Provided.
Freedom and Liberation in Revelation
Tuesday 16th June 2026
10.00am-3.30pm
St Andrew's Church, Linton Road, North Oxford.
Study day with Andy Angel
Some contemporary studies examine the ways the book of Revelation counters Roman imperialism. Revelation does this through language which is notoriously complex. This day will examine: (i) the history of this language in order to understand the way it conveys meaning; (ii) the way the author uses and transforms this language, which had a history of usage in resistance movements; and (iii) offer a reading of key texts in Revelation to outline the author’s vision of freedom and liberation.
Revd Dr Andy Angel is the Director of Formation for Ministry and Warden of Readers in the diocese of Oxford. In addition to significant experience of teaching religion, spirituality, and the Christian faith up to doctorate level, he has spent time in parish ministry and teaching in seminaries.
Lunch Provided.
Freedom and Liberation in Romans
Wednesday 17th June 2026
10.00am-3.30pm
St Andrew's Church, Linton Road, North Oxford.
Study day with A. K. M. Adam
Since Paul wrote the Letter to the Romans, it has inspired some of the most profound theological reflections, spiritual insights, and ethical guidance in the two millennia between then and our day. This Study Day will focus on Paul’s insights into slavery and freedom, both spiritual and literal, clarifying ways we may understand and exercise the liberation that empowers Paul’s fellow-travellers to walk in the newness of Christ’s risen life. The day will introduce Paul’s theology of freedom, will work through its role in the letter, and will point up ways contemporary disciples can embody Pauline freedom today.
Revd Dr A. K. M. Adam has taught for Oxford University’s Oriel College, St Stephen’s House, and Regent’s Park College, as well as the University of Glasgow, Duke University, Seabury Western Theological Seminary, and Princeton Theological Seminary.
Lunch Provided.
Freedom and Liberation Deuteronomy
Thursday 18th June 2026
10.00am-3.30pm
St Andrew's Church, Linton Road, North Oxford.
Study Day with Lyndon Drake.
Deuteronomy offers a distinctive vision of liberation in the context of the ancient Near East. It offers a radical account of freedom from oppression by the state and the economically powerful, and from the power of sin. This vision is for individual and social liberation is founded on an account of God's grace to the undeserving. Deuteronomy's vision is thematically and textually significant in many other texts of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, including both accounts of Israel's and Judah's story, poetry, and prophetic exhortations. For Christians, Deuteronomy's vision is also central to the preaching of Jesus and the message of the Apostles.
The Venerable Dr. Lyndon Drake is a Senior Research Fellow and the Chaplain of St. Edmund Hall, Oxford, and Archdeacon Emeritus of Tāmaki Makaurau, in the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.
Lunch Provided.
Freedom and Liberation in Daniel
Friday 19th June 2026
10.00am-3.30pm
St Andrew's Church, Linton Road, North Oxford.
Study Day with Suse McBay.
The book of Daniel includes the familiar court tales (1-6) and the more enigmatic apocalyptic material (7-12). But what do both reveal about freedom for humankind, for those in government, and the heavenly realm? This study day will dig into what the Book of Daniel is about in its ancient context, consider aspects of political freedom and its limits in Daniel 4, as well as how divine freedom functions within Daniel 11-12 in relation to the people of God.
Revd Dr Suse McBay is a tutor at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford and teaches Old Testament and preaching. Prior to her current role, she was in ministry St Martin’s, Houston, Texas, where she oversaw the adult education programmes. Her area of research is in late Second Temple Judaism and apocalyptic literature.
Lunch Provided.
Preparing for Retirement (Residential)
Tuesday 23rd - Thursday 25th June
Milton Hill House
A 48-hour residential for Oxford Diocese clergy preparing for retirement.
The thought of retirement conjures up a variety of associations for each of us. For some, it’s something that can’t come soon enough, while for others it may be something they don’t want to think about just yet.
And yet if retirement - both the process of leaving the parish, and the new season of life that follows - is to go well, there are preparations to be made. Some of those are about the very practical areas of financial planning and housing arrangements, some of which really do need quite a lead-in time. Others are about how we - and those around us - make the transition well emotionally and spiritually.
If you are unsure of your eligibility for this conference, please email the CMD Team.
Soulspace: Introducing Worship into Outreach or Social Action Groups
Monday 29th June 2026
10.00am-3.30pm
Church House Oxford
Led by Mike Moynagh and Anne Perry (Dorchester Parish Development Advisor)
An innovative resource created by Mike Moynagh to help churches reimagine how they connect with people beyond traditional Sunday gatherings.
Does your church have a social activity which you’d like to be a bridge into faith? Soulspace is an innovative resource created by Mike Moynagh to help churches reimagine how they connect with people beyond traditional Sunday gatherings. This event will introduce the Soulspace vision, principles, and real-life applications for nurturing faith in everyday contexts. It is for all those looking to shape existing social activities—such as a coffee morning, lunch club, knitting group, or art club—into spaces that include an invitational ‘spiritual extra’, and will equip and inspire you to take the next step.
You can learn more about Soulspace here.
Leadership Training for Established Leaders (2 day course)
Thursday & Friday, 2nd & 3rd July 2026
10am - 3.30pm
Church House Oxford
This two day workshop, run by GiANT and sponsored by the Clergy Support Trust, will benchmark current leadership, refine leadership skills and enhance character formation and personal development to lead with excellence.
Participants will:
- Have a personality deep-dive to identify patterns of behaviour and leadership tendencies for personal growth
- Learn skills for leading under pressure and stress, and how to stay healthy and be both present with family and productive in ministry, despite the challenges
- Learn about intentional investment into team leadership – effective delegation, having difficult conversations which liberate and dealing with conflict and organisational change well, in order to increase the health and efficacy of teams
- Increase the ability to pass on gifts, skills and competencies to other less experienced leaders through wise relational and professional development
- Move from any sense of plateauing/struggling in leadership to identifying pain points and building a resilient plan for the next season
- Hone their organisational leadership skills in terms of vision, values, roles and responsibilities, structures and strategies for thriving churches and ministries.
NOTE: This event is specific to clergy.
Summer course: Science, Faith and Society (External)
6th-10th July, Online/Cambridge, Faraday Institute: We live in rapidly changing times. This will cover a wide range of Science & Religion topics, bringing them to bear on crucial issues we face today, and unpacking the rich interplay between science, religion, and how we can live well together in society. Details and Booking here.
Digital Evangelism
Tuesday 14th July 2026
10.00am-3.30pm
Church House Oxford
Led by Joseph Hartropp Digital Labs Manager
Details TBC. Lunch provided.
The Problem of Evil (External)
31st August - 4th September 2026, Wycliffe Hall Intensive with Michael Lloyd. Join us in Oxford, where C.S. Lewis wrote his book on The Problem of Pain, for the inaugural Wycliffe Hall Intensive - an exciting week of theological learning, conversation, and fellowship with an expert in their field. Open to students, academics, clergy, and all with an interest in theology, participants will learn through lectures, discussions, and field trips. We will begin each morning with a time of worship, including a sermon series on the book of Job. More details and booking here.
Building a Healthy Team and Dealing with Conflict
Tuesday 1st September 2026
10am - 3.30pm
Church House Oxford
In the company of an expert faith-informed facilitator, this training will explore the specific ministry context, and develop the skills participants need to deal with conflict in the best way. Participants will discover how conflict often arises and how it can be resolved, understand the principles of building a healthy team, recognise how past life experiences can impact working relationships, develop listening skills to support team relations, and gain confidence in having difficult conversations. Participants will also learn that a healthy team is not absent of conflict, but rather one that is able to address conflict when it arises, and find creative, constructive ways to move forward together.
NOTE: this event is primarily for new incumbents and associate ministers; if you haven't been invited specifically but you would like to attend, please email the team.
Transforming Conflict (External)
6th-11th September 2026, Residential in Woking: Bridge Builders Ministries, Transforming Conflict 1: Leadership, Discipleship and Community – A Foundation Course for Christian Leaders. £955 Details and Booking Here.
Hymns Ancient & Modern Festival of Preaching (External)
Sunday 13th to Tuesday 15th September 2026, Cambridge. The Festival of Preaching aims to inspire, nurture and celebrate all who are called to proclaim the Gospel today - clergy, lay ministers and all who preach. Featuring outstanding speakers, it offers a stimulating and varied programme of worship, lectures and workshops. The programme will enable participants to enrich their craft, rediscover their prophetic voice, learn new ways of engaging a distracted culture and addressing today’s anxieties. Speakers confirmed for the 2026 programme include Nadia Bolz-Weber, Sam Wells, Isabelle Hamley, Selina Stone, Mark Oakley, Pádraig Ó Tuama and Nadim Nassar with more to be announced. The events will be hosted by the large, city centre church, Great Saint Mary’s, the University Church, and St John’s College, with a range of accommodation and hospitality on offer. Details and Booking Here.
Equipped for Ministry: Science and the Life of the Church (External)
Starting 21st September 2026, monthly over Six Monday evenings, online. 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.
Rural Mission Chapters
Wednesday 23rd September
10am - 3.30pm
St Mary’s Church, Long Crendon
Ministering in a rural or village context? Our new Rural Mission Chapter will provide an opportunity to gather termly to share stories, ideas and best practice with others working in rural mission and evangelism. The idea is to form like-minded and encouraging communities of people to accompany each other in rural mission. Come along for a day of exploring what these learning communities might look like. Lunch provided.
Effective Line Management
Tuesday 29th September 2026
10am - 3.30pm
Church House Oxford
An opportunity to explore good practice when managing paid staff and volunteers in churches. Led by member of the HR team, this workshop will equip managers 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 provides space to reflect on real‑life scenarios commonly faced in parish ministry, such as managing performance, handling conflict, and supporting staff wellbeing, always rooted in the values and responsibilities of the Church of England.
This workshop is particularly suited to incumbents, wardens, and others with leadership responsibility, offering practical guidance, shared learning, and reassurance.
Lunch provided.
Preparing for Advent: Rediscovering the Kingdom of God
Thursday 1st October 2026
10am - 3.30pm
Chuch 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 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.
Walking With You Through A Crisis Incident
Wednesday 4th November 2026
10am - 1.30pm
Church House Oxford
Ever wondered what you would do if a crisis event happened in your parish? These are thankfully rare but being prepared can make all the difference, not just in how you respond, but in ministering to and caring for a community in shock. This relaxed and informal session (we even promise no Powerpoint) will give practical advice, a workshop session to think through options, shared learning and information about which teams from the Diocese are on hand to help in these situations.
Facilitated by Jane Appleton (Director of Communications) and Jane Haslam (Associate Archdeacon of Dorchester).
Lunch is provided.
(Note: this event was moved to this new date from April 2026)
Remaking After Trauma: The Role of the Church (External)
Saturday 7th November 2026, 9.30am - 4.30pm Online/Cambridge. Faraday Institute: How can the church support people who have experienced trauma in a biblically and theologically informed way? What does post-traumatic growth look like? Join us to explore this vital area of the Church’s work. Details and booking here.
Studying the Lectionary Gospel: Mark
Saturday 21st November 2026, 10am - 3.30pm at Church House Oxford
repeated Tuesday 24th November 2026, at Yarnton Manor.
Explore some of the background and important themes of Mark's Gospel, the gospel for Year B. Lunch is provided.
Book Saturday Here Book Tuesday Here
Transforming Conflict (External)
31st January - 5th February 2027, Residential in Nottingham: Bridge Builders Ministries, Transforming Conflict 1: Leadership, Discipleship and Community – A Foundation Course for Christian Leaders. £955 Details and Booking Here.
Transforming Conflict for Senior Leaders (External)
18th - 23rd April 2027, Residential in Scarborough: Bridge Builders Ministries, Transforming Conflict 1: Leadership, Discipleship and Community for Senior Christian Leaders. £1175 Details and Booking Here.
Click here for a library of resources, including recordings from previous CMD events