In this section:

About|Details|What our students say|Tutor(s)|Related short courses

Home Short Courses Ministry Human Flourishing Rethinking Retirement?

Rethinking Retirement? course

Over three sessions we shall explore the nature of retirement, what shapes or misshapes our narratives of this stage of life, and its implications for our theology and practice.

The day will be facilitated by Rob Merchant and James Woodward who have had a long-standing interest in gerontology and will particularly draw upon Rob’s recent research on the continuing vocational experience of clergy during retirement.

We hope that participants will engage in reflection and conversation stimulated by current themes and thinking within a theological and spiritual framework.

with The Revd Canon Rob Merchant, Dean of Mission, Ministry & Education, Diocese of Chelmsford and The Revd Canon Professor James Woodward, Principal of Sarum College.

Book Event

Early bird in person ticket #2662 £65

In person early bird discount ticket This is a discounted early bird ticket offering the course for £65 rather than £70. This offer expires 60 days prior to the event and cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount. This course will be held onsite at Sarum College and online. The course fee includes lunch and refreshments for those attending in person.

Available Tickets: 10

The Early bird in person ticket #2662 ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.

Early bird ticket with B&B the night before #2662 £140

This is a discounted early bird ticket offering the course for £140.00 rather than the normal £145.00. This offer expires 60 days prior to the event and cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount. This course will be held onsite at Sarum College. The course fee includes lunch and refreshments. The extra B&B on 26 November 2025 includes accommodation in an en-suite room and breakfast the morning of the course. If the ticket you wish to purchase is showing as not available, please contact me on bclover@sarum.ac.uk, as we may be able to accommodate your request.

Available Tickets: 3

The Early bird ticket with B&B the night before #2662 ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.

In person ticket #2662 £70

This course will be held onsite at Sarum College. The course fee includes lunch and refreshments.

Available Tickets: 25

The In person ticket #2662 ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.

In person ticket with B&B the night before #2662 £145

This course will be held onsite at Sarum College. The course fee includes lunch and refreshments. The extra B&B on 26 November 2025 includes accommodation in an en-suite room and breakfast the morning of the course. If the ticket you wish to purchase is showing as not available, please contact me on bclover@sarum.ac.uk, as we may be able to accommodate your request.

Available Tickets: 2

The In person ticket with B&B the night before #2662 ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.

Details

Dates & Times

27 Nov 2025

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Tutor(s)

The Revd Canon Professor James Woodward

Guest Tutors

Course code

2662

Other Notes

This is an in person course to be held at Sarum College. The course fee includes lunch and refreshments.

Book this course

Like what you see?

Book yourself on this course today!

What our students say

Riveting!

Book of Revelation course

Someone on the course said it was ‘riveting!’ This was exactly what I felt. The course was a total joy because of the tutor’s handouts, excellence and Sarum College hospitality.

Faith is an imaginative adventure

The Very Revd Dr Mark Oakley

I admire the work and tone of Sarum College very deeply. It is a community that takes theology and spirituality seriously, not as hobbies but as pursuits into understanding, and engaging in, a complex world.

Sarum College reminds us that faith is an imaginative adventure and that it is shaped by a questioning joy.

Vibrant approach to theology

Fr Azariah France-Williams

I’ve been particularly struck by the refreshing approach to theological education here. In a world, and indeed within parts of the church, where faith can sometimes feel stagnant or out of touch, Sarum offers a vibrant and relevant alternative. The courses encourage a bold exploration of profound ideas, connecting with truths that lie beneath the surface and fostering genuine personal growth, which feels particularly significant as I approach my 50th year. This counter-cultural spirit, which embraces depth and challenges ageism and fear, is truly remarkable. Sarum is a place where individuals can be transformed by engaging with a living and breathing faith.

Well worth taking the time

Disability Theology: Theory and Practice

I took time to attend the course out of a busy working week and it was well worth taking that time. I have so many things to ponder and reflect on from this course and a helpful further reading list to keep me going for a few months! Thank you Sarum College

Netflix, Theology and Pastoral Practice

Peter Butchers on his MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture student experience

How do cultural tropes, like those found in Black Mirror, help bridge the gap between what academic theology espouses and what the everyday Christian believes? In his research as a student on the MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture, Peter Butchers explored platonic philosophy, digital theology and eschatology, and pastoral practice around death and dying.

Rewarding Sabbatical Stay

The Revd Greg Syler, is Rector of Ascension & St. George’s, Resurrection Parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, DC USA, spent part of his ministry sabbatical at Sarum College in spring 2022.

His account of the experience begins: ‘I loved spending nearly three weeks of my ministry sabbatical at Sarum College earlier this year.

Not only did I rest, and rest well in the comfortable care of the Sarum College staff, I experienced very significant renewal and fresh insights.’

The Revd Canon Professor James Woodward

Principal, Sarum College

Guest Tutors

View all courses

Rethinking Retirement?