Training
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28 Sep 2026
in TrainingCMD: Mother Teresa of Kolkata
Mother Teresa of Kolkata is among the most famous Christian names of the 20th century. But she is not often thought of as a mystical writer. Read more
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29 Sep 2026
in TrainingCMD: Reading the Biblical Prophets for Today
The Biblical prophets are often cited but do we really know what they mean and how to read them? The prophets were full of passion – rage, love, hope, and desolation – and their words can both wound and heal. Many feel their value is only in what can be read as predicting Jesus and that they are largely irrelevant now, but we have largely forgotten how to read them, to whom they are speaking, and responsibly apply what they are saying to our own contemporary context. For this day, we will explore some introductory work on reading the prophets and then delve more deeply into the texts themselves, looking specifically at passages from Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, and Micah amongst selections from a few others as time allows. Read more
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29 Sep 2026
in TrainingChurchwarden Training Session
An opportunity to deepen your understanding of the role and gain practical guidance to support your ministry. Read more
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7 Oct 2026
in TrainingCMD: Deeper, Rooted, Lasting
Deeper Rooted Lasting looks at how churches can support, equip and encourage parents and carers. During the course, we will explore why parents and carers need to be prioritised in our church and community work with families, as well as provide practical tools and ideas for those who volunteer or work in churches. Read more
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7 Oct 2026
in TrainingWebinar: Alpha for everyone
A recent survey showed that Alpha was the most commonly used tool as an outreach course across our diocese. This course now has a 30 year track record and has become an effective worldwide tool spanning many denominations. This seminar will look at how to introduce Alpha if you’ve never done it before and also how to refine and improve your own Alpha courses if it is a regular part or church life. Read more
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8 Oct 2026
in TrainingCMD: Holding Faith under Pressure
This teaching day explores four New Testament writings shaped by pressure, conflict, and contested faith. Hebrews, James, Jude and 2 Peter address communities facing weariness, distortion of belief, and ethical compromise, offering robust theological resources for perseverance. Read more
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10 Oct 2026
in TrainingReaders’ Study Day
Professor Steve Walton, Senior Research Fellow in New Testament at Trinity College Bristol, will lead the day. Attendees can learn tools and approaches to help them understand Mark’s Gospel more fully and to preach it more informatively and accessibly to their congregation. Read more
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15 Oct 2026
in TrainingCMD: Biblical Models of Neurodiversity
An introduction to several different biblical models that we can use to understand neurodiversity and inclusion, such as the Tower of Babel, the Body of Christ and Earthen Vessels. Together we will work through them to help us understand neurodiversity better and then explore some practical strategies for inclusion. Read more
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16 Oct 2026
in TrainingCMD: Preaching Mark’s Gospel
As the lectionary gospel for the next church year, we will explore the message of Mark for today. We will investigate the purpose and message of Mark’s gospel. We will relate that to the issues confronting our congregations in living as disciples of Christ. And we will think about how Mark communicates, and how that might gives us fresh lessons and ideas for our own preaching. Read more
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2 Nov 2026
in TrainingCMD: Thomas Merton on Prayer and Contemplation
The first talk will address the interior life of prayer which Merton called “a consciousness of one’s union with God” and focus on Merton’s 1966 letter to Abdul Aziz, the only time he spoke of his own prayer practice and his letters to Etta Gullick (who worked with Ordinands at St Stephen’s in Oxford). The second talk will address living the contemplative life of prayer in the world. Read more