Leadership Learning

Our approach to leadership and organisation is shaped by our theology which starts with the conviction that the Christian faith is good news for the world – that God is active in the world and concerned for human flourishing in a creation being redeemed. Our theological perspective is shaped by the belief that God speaks to us and acts with us incarnationally, in our actual situations.

Christian faith is always embodied, situated, practiced and theology always in conversation with the disciplines that describe and arise from human investigation of our condition. As a result we engage primarily with contextual, practical and public theologies. We see the situations and experiences of which these theologies speak as the locus of God’s activity, essential routes into theological understanding, in dialogue with Christian traditions and normative beliefs (though, as individuals, we may well take differing views of the weight that should be given to different “voices” in the conversation).

We understand faith not as a closed set of beliefs to be applied, but as a journey of exploration in the company of others. Our approach could be described as theology engaged in primarily “from below”.

Our approach is informed by the following key principles:

• Practice-oriented skills
• Leadership based on context
• Understanding organisations and situations as complex
• Change is the day job
• Management, leadership and organisation studies used critically within a practical theological framework

Bespoke leadership training and development. These are development programmes designed to meet the needs of leaders in particular localities or organisations.

They combine the best in current leadership thinking with attention to the particular challenges facing your leaders.

These programmes are:

• Practical
• Contextual
• Focused
• Consultancy

Advisory support for leaders and their teams as they address significant challenges:

• Strategy
• Team building
• Engaging people
• Culture
• Change

Research. We can help you to explore and develop responses to key questions such as “What is the deeper character of the issues facing you?” “What assumptions are you making?” “What might God be doing and saying in what is going on within and around you?” Qualitative and action research methods applied within a practical theological framework.

Regular series of one-day workshops and seminars covering key leadership themes e.g.
– “Good enough” Leadership
– Dealing with Change in the Church of England

There are also a range of residential courses for personal and vocational development.

Sarum College’s flagship Exploring Theology programme is for anyone who wishes to deepen their knowledge of and relationship with the Bible and Christian teachings through intellectually rigorous, interactive, and accessible learning.

This is a two-year course designed so that students can join in at any time. Year A focuses on Exploring the Bible, serving to equip students with knowledge and tools to read and encounter the Scriptures faithfully and fruitfully in their own lives.

Year B focuses on Exploring Christian Belief, which serves to help students see the bigger picture in relation to developments and themes within the Christian tradition.

For a deep dive into a biblical book or theme, we offer four-day Biblical Study Breaks.

For spiritual restoration, we offer silent retreats.

There are dates and details on all these options on the course & event diary

All postgraduate modules on University of Winchester validated programmes are open to those not enrolled for academic credit. ‘Auditing’ a module is a great way to explore a topic in-depth over four days. It may also serve as a trial run for a longer term study commitment, a one-year Certificate, two-year Diploma or a master’s degree (3-5 years).

Coaching and work consultancy.

One-to-one support for leaders of churches and other organisations. This may cover support through particular challenges or the provision of a regular support and sounding board for those in what can be a lonely role.

‘Mentoring is a social relationship one person shares with others so they flourish with well-being and success.’

— Walter Brueggemann

Sarum offers residential packages in our historic buildings steps away from Salisbury Cathedral where people have been reflecting and studying theology since the first ordinands arrived in 1861.

We invite you to personalise your stay to suit your needs. Choose from a menu of options to find what you need to be nourished personal and professionally, whether it’s a study break with use of the library, time with a mentor or a retreat including spiritual directions sessions.

We are a diverse community and those able to offer accompaniment include James Woodward, Julia Mourant, Jayme Reaves and Keith Elford.

We are also able to draw on the skills and experience of our wider network of visiting scholars and associate tutors. We will put you in touch with the most appropriate person so that you can discuss your hopes directly.