Preachers can often feel the need for some space to think, reflect and refresh themselves so they can continue to proclaim the Good News. Perhaps that has never been so keenly felt as now, with all we have been through in the last two years. This retreat is an opportunity to draw aside for a while, to reflect and learn together with other preachers. We will consider the preaching task and how we might continue to develop and rise to the challenges of the present day. We will investigate John’s Gospel, looking for the vital message of glory and hope it offers.

We welcome preachers from all backgrounds and denominations and value learning from each other’s different perspectives.

Full board is provided in Sarum College, set in the beautiful Salisbury Cathedral Close. There will be space in the programme to join the Cathedral worship, to walk the city of Salisbury, and to use the College Library.

This conference is delivered in association with the College of Preachers.

Speakers

Dr Adesola (Sola) Akala is a Fellow of St John’s College, Durham University and a New Testament scholar with a theological focus. Her work covers the gospels of John and Luke, the Pauline Epistles, as well as theologies of prayer and glory. Her published works include The Son-Father Relationship and Christological Symbolism in the Gospel of John and Exploring the Glory of God: New Horizons for a Theology of Glory. Editor. Sola’s experience as a minister spans decades of international preaching and teaching in nations across Europe, Africa, South-East Asia and Australia. She is committed to the mission of advancing biblical literacy and spiritual development in the body of Christ.

Dr Jennifer Brown is Director of Training for the College of Preachers and is an associate priest in a parish in south Oxfordshire. She also is the Director of the Cuddesdon School of Theology and Ministry and is Placements Tutor for ordinands on the part-time pathway at Cuddesdon. She has degrees in psychology and the psychology of religion. Jennifer has a particular interest in the ways in which religious practice shapes moral thinking and behaviour and is currently pursuing a PhD in this area.

The Revd Paul Burden is Director of Contextual Learning at Sarum College with 22 years in parish ministry. Paul specialises in preaching, human identity, mission and evangelism, leadership and worship. As a theological educator, he has a keen desire to see the practical skills of ministry rooted in theology and reflective practice with a clear missional perspective. A key research interest is in homiletics, together with other research in biblical studies; mission; leadership and self-care; and the leading of worship.