Spiritual Exercises for the 21st Century Week by Week course

In this four-week course, participants will be accompanied by Gillian as they form community around experiencing the nuances of Ignatius Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises in a holistic, integrated way, guided by the theological and spiritual introduction for each week provided during course sessions. You will also receive practical tips for reflection before you select exercises from our course workbook. For students, spiritual directors and pastoral figures, this course provides an excellent marriage of theory and practice; for those interested in spiritual growth, you will receive a rich introduction to the Spiritual Exercises informed by decades of pastoral practice.

Dates are 13, 20 & 27 October and 3 November 2025

Please note that participants will need to buy a copy of the Spiritual Exercises for the 21st Century: A Workbook (third edition).

Dr. Gillian Ahlgren received her PhD from the University of Chicago with a specialization in the Christian mystical tradition. She is the author of seven books integrating contextual theology with spirituality and pastoral practice, including Entering Teresa

The Spiritual Exercises series #2648 ticket sales has ended!

The Portsmouth CMD ticket #2648 ticket sales has ended!

Details

Dates & Times

13 Oct 2025

Expired!

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Course code

2648

Other Notes

This is an online series of four evening sessions to be delivered via Zoom on 13, 20, 27 October and 3 November.

Free places are set aside for those eligible for Portsmouth CMD

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.’

Spiritual Exercises for the 21st Century Week by Week

Spiritual Exercises for the 21st Century Week by Week course