This is a new programme that has developed out of the experience of the
‘Celebrating Wisdom’ programme for clergy in the final stage of ministry.
The feedback we have received from them includes:
Ministry Development
in the West Midlands Regional training Partnership
Celebrating Ministry
What we got from it?
I have journeyed from a place where I was hoping to survive in ministry to one with a renewed sense of vocation. Thank you.
I am taking away hope and encouragement. It has ‘met me’ where I am and helped me to think constructively.
The groups were very good and provided a safe place to speak and to listen.
Ministry can be a lonely experience. This week showed how so many of us face similar challenges. These challenges need to be owned and shared more widely.
A toolkit of resources to help me in the discerning of where/what next.
Refreshing and inspirational.
What will it cost you?
We’d encourage you to…
Say yes – don’t miss the opportunity.
See this as an opportunity to reflect safely – be inspired, be refreshed.
Come and enjoy. Trust the process and see it through to the end, even if at times you do not understand what is going on.
Recognise what you have to give and what you have to receive in the later years of ministry.
Leave everything behind (as instructed).
Relax – they’re not out to get you!
Be as open as you can in the Wisdom Groups.
Come on the course; a week well spent.
Refreshing ministry for a changing church
The cost will be £500 per head all inclusive. The cost is borne by the participant’s Diocese. Your contribution will be travel only.
What do you do now?
If you wish to enrol, please contact Fiona Bowkett on (01584) 871 085 or email:
Venue: Shallowford House, Shallowford, Stone, ST15 0NZ
A residential course
for clergy and ministers of the West Midlands who want to renew their vision for their ministry
6 - 10 February 2017
Shallowford House
Shallowford, Stone ST15 0NZ
Celebrating Ministry: refreshing ministry for a changing church:
is more of a workshop / retreat than a conference
aims to encourage reflection on the experience of ministry and on future patterns of ministry
aims to enable the discernment of continuing vocation and gifts, to release energy and set free imagination for the next stage of mission and ministry.
The programme involves
a regular rhythm of prayer and worship: offices, eucharist and lectio divina
personal reflection activities and exercises
inputs from speakers on biblical, spiritual and sociological perspectives
extensive facilitated group work - ‘Action Learning
Sets’.
The Action Learning Sets are central to the programme, enabling learning from experience and critical reflection upon life and the ministerial journey.
Who is the programme for?
This is for those in the ‘middle years’ of stipendiary ministry who have at least ten years of experience of ministry after their curacy.
It is for those who are seeking to reflect on their experience and on where ministry is going with a view to discerning God’s call and vision for their future ministry.
What does the programme look like?
It begins at 11am on Monday 6thFebruary through to after lunch on Friday 10th February 2017.
The programme includes space for rest and recreation.
We could are expecting 16 participants on the course.
It will be hosted by Lesley Bentley of Lichfield Diocese and Nick Helm of Hereford Diocese.
We aim for the following outcomes for participants:
greater awareness of particular gifts and skills in ministry and the encouragement to use them
awareness of developments and trends in ministry in the church today
renewal of energy for your ministry and discipleship
renewed vision for your ministry in a changing church
The Dioceses expect…
learning for relevant Diocesan Officers
to listen and respond appropriately