College of Preachers Events

Our public events and seminars are open to preachers of all denominations. The list below also includes events run by partner organisations.

We also run private events for churches and dioceses. See Training for more information.

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2021 July

Preaching and Story

Wednesday 21 July, 10.30-13.00 | via Zoom

Workshop Leader: Revd Dr Mark Wakelin, Methodist Minister.

We will tell each other stories, biblical or otherwise, and reflect on what we learn and feel. Within that reflection we will consider the importance of exegesis in preparing a story, and the relationship of story to truth. During the workshop we will aim to encourage each other and learn from each other to enrich our preaching.

Ticket prices: general, £7; ministry student, £5.

To book, please visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/preaching-and-story-tickets-157936435129. When prompted, please enter the password Preach217

2021 September

Changing the Climate: Preaching in the Environmental Crisis

Wednesday 1 September, 10.30 | via Zoom

A workshop with Paul Johns, Methodist Local Preacher.

Climate change, floods and droughts, declining biodiversity – is all this just a stock of fresh sermon illustrations? Or does it shift the context of our preaching, and therefore sermon content too? God holds the planet in one hand and offers us the Bible with the other. What hope does the biblical message offer to a planet in pain? This workshop, led by Paul Johns, will provide an opportunity to share your thoughts and preaching experience, and to listen to and discuss two or three recent (and short) ‘environmental’ sermons.

Ticket prices: general, £7; ministry student, £5

To book please visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/preaching-on-the-environmental-crisis-tickets-153777036255. When prompted, please enter the password Preach109

Suffering, Science, and Preaching a Theology of Hope

Wednesday 8 September, 10.30 | via Zoom

With the Revd Jennifer Brown, Director of Training for the College of Preachers and former Science Missioner.

How can science help us understand suffering? Can science offer a way through which we can explore the perennial question of why God allows suffering? And how do we speak of hope in the midst of suffering? This workshop will explore how we can use insights from science in our preaching both to help people engage with questions around suffering and to offer a theology of hope.

The Revd Jennifer Brown is Director of Training for the College of Preachers and a Theological Educator. She has worked as Science Missioner in the Oxford Diocese and is Secretary of the Science and Religion Forum.

Ticket prices: general, £7; ministry student, £5

To book please visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/suffering-science-and-preaching-a-theology-of-hope-a-preaching-workshop-tickets-148770395257. When prompted, please enter the password Preach809

2021 October

Preaching in Advent

Thursday 7 October, 09.30 | Holland House, Cropthorne, Worcestershire

Workshop leader: Revd Canon Roger Spiller

How can we make the Advent themes and readings come alive and speak to us today? The themes of Advent can stretch our credulity but can also address those ultimate issues that preoccupy us all. In this workshop, the Revd Canon Roger Spiller will look at how we can imaginatively approach the themes of the season in our preaching.

This day-long workshop will include input, discussion, working with texts, matching themes and sermon structures, drafting outlines and generally stimulating the imagination to excite us in our preaching ministry. Lunch will be provided.

The Revd Canon Roger Spiller is a theological educator and was previously Diocesan Director of Ministry for Coventry Diocese. He is currently the Chair of Trustees of the College of Preachers and has edited several editions of the 'Canterbury Preacher's Companion'.

Ticket prices: general, £35; ministry student, £25

To book please visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/preaching-in-advent-a-preaching-workshop-tickets-148751175771.