Celebrating Wisdom
Renewing Ministry for a Changing Church
A course for Clergy and Ministers of the West Midlands who want to reflect on their vision for Ministry
This programme is more of a workshop/retreat that aims to encourage those with longer experience of ministry to step back and reflect on their journey, recognise and celebrate of the wisdom acquired. More than this it aims to enable the discernment of continuing vocation and gifts, to release energy and set free imagination for the discerning of God’s lead into the next stage of their journey as Ministers in Christ’s Church.
The programme involves:
- a regular rhythm of prayer and worship: Offices, Eucharist and Lectio Divina;
- personal reflection activities and exercises;
- facilitated group work - ‘Wisdom Groups’;
- space for rest and recreation.
The Wisdom Groups are central to the course, learning from experience and critical reflection upon life and our ministerial journey.
The course will be hosted by the Revd Preb Nick Helm with a Team drawn from the Dioceses of the West Midlands and Derby Diocese.
Who is it for?
The programme is for those in ministry with more than 10 years of ordained experience. It is particularly valuable for those wanting to ‘take stock’ and ponder the next phase of their ministry - whether its time to move posts, shift gear, or keep on keeping on. It provides a process for reflecting on vocation and discern the future. We have a maximum of 12 Participants on the course.
Outcomes:
By the end of the course, we hope you will have gained:
- renewal of energy for your ministry and discipleship;
- re-envisioning of your ministry in a changing Church;
- encouragement to offer your skills and experience beyond your context;
- (and perhaps, greater clarity about whether to stay, or to go!).
Upcoming dates:
This course runs annually.
The next opportunity to participate is June 3rd - 7th 2024.
The programme begins with Lunch (1pm) on Monday 3rd June and ends after Lunch on Friday 7th. It is vital for participation in the programme that all are present at the beginning of the programme.
Venue: Holland House, Cropthorne, Pershore WR10 3NB
Cost: The cost of the programme is borne by your Diocese. Your contribution is travel only.
What do I do now?
If you wish to find out more about this course, please contact your Diocesan CMD Officer or Administrator who will send you further details. You can find their details under the Contact tab.
Further information:
Participants on previous programmes offer this wisdom to future Participants:
- "A wonderful journey of discovery and rediscovery."
- "Do not bring any ‘work’ with you – lay it aside for these five days – this is about you so cherish it."
- "Come without any pre-conceived perceptions and be as open and honest as you can, valuing a safe space."
- "Come to a time which will be both challenging and affirming - see what God will do!"
- "This is tough ride but transformative. If you’re not sure you have time, if you can’t be bothered, if there’s little joy in your ministry or if you lost about where its headed, this is absolutely for you."
- "Be open to what God offers you this week, and remember that everyone on the ‘course’ with you wants you to succeed."
- "Be open and be yourself – it’s committed soul work."
This programme is an integrated programme that makes it impossible for late arrivals to participate. Equally, interruptions to participating because of, for example, PCC meetings or Occasional Offices undermine the experience and potential fruit for those involved.