Sarum College is an ecumenical study and research centre with an international reputation for excellence in theological education and spiritual reflection.
Sarum College offers a distinguished location for meetings, conferences, events and functions with full catering services.
Sarum College Bookshop is Salisbury's most established independent Christian and theological bookshop.
The Sarum College Library has an outstanding academic theological collection of more than 40,000 books covering all denominations.
Meet the Academic Staff
Barnabas PalfreyLecturer in Spirituality and Programme Leader for Theology Quest and Questions Read more
Jayme ReavesCoordinator, Centre for Encountering the Bible and Short Courses Read more
Tim HarleCoordinator for the Centre for Leadership Learning Read more
All academic staff
August 2019
Greek in a Week 2019: Learning to Read the New Testament in Greek
The New Testament is both a very familiar, and at the same time, a very strange text. Distant from today’s English, both linguistically and culturally, the poetry and prose of the original texts speak of long vanished Empires, the abuse of power and the plight of the poor and disadvantaged. To encounter the text in its original language is to step into a world of priests and kings, wandering rabbis and provincial governors. An earlier time when the rich and… Read more
September 2019
An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew 2019: Hebrew I
Reading the Old Testament in Hebrew provides a much stronger sense of the original culture and perspective of its writers and their communities. Such insights can help us to appreciate better not only the Old Testament text but also its pivotal role as ‘scripture’ for the 1st century Jewish communities from which the New Testament and the early church emerged. Hebrew I (Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 September) and Hebrew II (Monday 9 to Wednesday 11 September, details here) together… Read more
An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew 2019: Hebrew II
Reading the Old Testament in Hebrew provides a much stronger sense of the original culture and perspective of its writers and their communities. Such insights can help us to appreciate better not only the Old Testament text but also its pivotal role as ‘scripture’ for the 1st century Jewish communities from which the New Testament and the early church emerged. Hebrew I (Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 September, details here) and Hebrew II (Monday 9 to Wednesday 11 September) together… Read more
Francis and the Sultan
This conference will explore the meeting in 1219 during the Fifth Crusade of St Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kamil, as inspiration for Christian-Muslim dialogue today. The event is offered in partnership with the Third Order of the Society of St Francis (TSSF). Workshops include A Tale of Two movements: A comparison of The Third Order, SSF and Tablighi Jama’at (Andrew Todd & Riyaz Timol) Enabling an interfaith walk (Leonie Northcote) A local interfaith group using the way of counsel (Stephen and Mary… Read more
Church of Sanctuary Conference
What does it mean to be a ‘church of sanctuary’? This conference will explore the theology of sanctuary by looking at the biblical, historical, and ecclesiastical foundations of the practice of hospitality and the provision of refuge. Read more
Art Exhibition: Experiencing Landscape
Joy Hillyer’s paintings aim to convey a sense of place, of placement and exploration within the landscape. She is concerned with the ambiguity of the liminal: the juxtaposition of the real and the imagined; the interplay between essence and symbol, between light and darkness; the ephemeral and the enduring. Her work often uses her photographs as a starting point or as the ‘outer shell’ for her painting. These may be of the natural world or the built landscape, or the… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 1: Week 1: Reading the Hebrew Bible as Scripture
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for a rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might… Read more
Pastoral Liturgy Day: Finding Our Voice in Advent
The season of Advent is experienced as a paradox. Its themes of waiting and longing are competing with the powerful commercial pressures that accelerate the arrival of Christmas. Yet it has unparalleled opportunities: it marks the time when many people in our local communities make their annual visit to church. The day will explore the range of liturgical opportunities for marking the season of Advent. We will consider how the spiritual themes of Advent can connect with our hopes and… Read more
Foundations and Forms of Christian Spirituality
This module will introduce students to the nature of Spirituality in the Christian tradition until the end of the eighteenth century. It will look at several spiritual traditions within Christianity and enable students to place them in their historical and philosophical contexts. Students will become aware of the problems we face in matters of interpretation when dealing with classical spiritual texts and will be encouraged to apply a range of interpretative methods to the texts they are introduced to. Those… Read more
Christian Faith and Leadership
The module explores and analyses ways in which theology and spirituality underpin and challenge an understanding of leadership within and outside faith-based contexts. It encourages critical reflection on how leadership and management within the changing nature of contemporary society can be informed by insights from spiritual and theological traditions, especially Christianity, and be related to a theological view of faith, vocation, the Church and its mission. Participants are encouraged to become confident in handling disciplines and methodologies that can inform… Read more
October 2019
Rural Mission and Ministry Day: Working Well With Children, Young People and Families in Rural Areas
A practical course to help you reflect on the blessings and challenges of ministry among children, young people and families in the countryside. We will learn and laugh together as we gain fresh insights and new ideas for this ministry. Expect to be enthused afresh by the end of the day! Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Exploring Theology Term 1: Week 2: Origin Stories: Genesis
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Lunchtime Concert: Diana Brekalo
Lunchtime Concerts are held in the College’s Butterfield Chapel and are followed by a light buffet lunch (included in ticket price). Each concert starts at 12.45pm and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Subscription tickets are priced at £60. Individual concert tickets (subject to availability) are £12 per concert. Diana Brekalo The life of Clara Schumann. The programme includes music by Robert and Clara Schumann. Artist: Diana Brekalo, Piano Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722… Read more
Sarum Singing Break 2019
For anyone who enjoys singing liturgical church music. During this weekend we will rehearse and sing services in Sarum College Chapel and Salisbury Cathedral. The repertoire will cover music from Tudor times to present-day compositions. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Approaches to Liturgical Studies
This module will introduce students to the sources and methods used by scholars in the evaluation and interpretation of liturgical forms. These include those used for historical, theological and ritual analysis. It will equip students with skills in the critical evaluation of various sources and create awareness of the presuppositions which lie behind much liturgical scholarship. An introduction to the sources and methods used by liturgical scholars in the evaluation of liturgical history and contemporary worship events. This (core) postgraduate… Read more
Theology and Human Culture
Engage with the ‘texts’ and practices of human culture and explore the nature of the relationship between theology and culture through creative and critical perspectives. Students will be given the opportunity to refine and update their knowledge of theologians and key theological debates as they relate to human culture, show how central themes in theology are expressed through different forms of culture in history and today, and be given the opportunity to critically reflect on human culture through a variety… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 1: Week 3: Captivity and Liberation: Genesis and Exodus
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Reflective Journalling
Sometimes living can feel like we are standing in a fast-flowing river. There is so much going on. It can be difficult to hold our balance and see how the various dimensions of our lives fit together. This day will offer an opportunity to explore how journalling might help us to reflect on the shape of our living in the context of our work and world. We should try to capture elements of experience, and explore how we think about what… Read more
Chaplaincy and Criminal Justice
Explore the particular challenges and opportunities for chaplains developing ministries and/or serving in the police, prisons and courts. With a specific focus on the themes of crime and punishment, we will address an overarching question: How do we develop compassionate responses to damaged and damaging people? The day will include: – an informal discussion on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel Crime & Punishment – a participative interview with Martyn Cook who coordinates chaplaincy services as Swindon Law Courts – an exploration of… Read more
Sarum Symposium 2019
The Sarum Symposium is an exciting new direction for the annual Sarum lectures. Each year we bring together a panel to discuss truth and narrative from diverse perspectives. This year the theme will be death. In association with the Salisbury Literary Festival Please register your interest by emailing info@sarum.ac.uk Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Imaging Transcendence: From the Catacombs to the Gothic Cathedral
Western Christianity developed not only through the written word but by the story of Christ, the saints and central Christian beliefs depicted through the various media of visual art and architecture. This study day offers an illustrated introduction to how Christian faith found expression in the early Christian Roman catacombs, the Ravenna mosaics, in medieval Irish illuminated manuscripts and in the Gothic Cathedral. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Exploring Theology Term 1: Week 4: Constructing an Identity: Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Preaching the Old Testament
Most preachers are committed to preaching from the whole Word of God, and yet the Old Testament can be relatively neglected in the sermon diet of the average congregation. There are many reasons for this. This day will take an overview of the issues and questions that need to be addressed when preaching from the Old Testament, suggesting different ways into difficult passages and applying these ideas to a specific case study. In collaboration with The Centre for Encountering the… Read more
Into the North: The Defeat of Paganism and the Rise of Christianity in Scandinavia
This lecture will explore the enormous difficulties encountered by early missionaries as they went beyond the confines of the Roman Empire. How were the powerful Viking gods toppled? Was contact, through war and trade, with Christian states to make a difference to the Norsemens’ thinking? We shall also look at early Christian/pagan artefacts, and the famous early stave churches in Norway and Sweden, some of which remain as places of worship today. We shall look at the earliest Christian artefacts found… Read more
Arts and Crafts Movement and it’s Influence on Design, Making and Preservation
A day for exploring the influence of the Arts & Crafts Movement. The Arts & Crafts Movement is arguably Britain’s greatest contribution to the international art movements of the late 19th century and onwards with a high point of around 1880–1919. Some Arts & Crafts architects and craftspeople were still alive and working in the 1950s. One such was my current research subject, the architect Reginald Fairlie (1883–1952), a brilliant designer of decorative metalwork and eager collaborator with artist-craftsmen who… Read more
Facts of Blood & Bread: Drama and Power in the Gospel of Mark
A dialogical, resource focus on the 2021 Gospel of the Year earthing the story in lived experience. Through a selection of narratives from Mark, we will explore the resonances of this ancient context for contemporary life and ministry. The Gospel of Mark is 2021’s Gospel of the Year and this day will dialogical and resource-focused, earthing this story in lived experience – ‘facts of blood and bread’ – by exploring a selection of narratives from Mark and finding where this… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 1: Week 5: History, Myth and Narritive: Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Interim Ministry and Vacancies
This seminar explores the latest ideas around Interim Ministry (IM, or Transitional Ministry) and how they can inform, and be informed by, the broader field of filling vacancies. We investigate how conversations can be used both as research methods and as a practical way of effecting change. With thanks to the generous support of the Interim Ministry Network for the reduced course fee. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Reading Fiction as a Spiritual Practice
William Blake called the Old and New Testaments ‘The Great Code of Western Art’. We will explore the symbols at play in three novels: To Kill a Mockingbird (Mon 28), Jane Eyre (Tues 29), and The Life of Pi (Wed 30)-in profound conversation with the Bible. Discounted B&B is available for those who wish to stay in College and attend more than one day. This course will explore the symbols at play in three novels – To Kill a Mockingbird,… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 1: Week 6: Memory of Days Past and Vision of the Days to Come: Isaiah and Jeremiah
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Sense and Stigma in the Gospels: Depictions of Sensory-Disabled Characters
The senses are used within New Testament texts as instruments of knowledge and power and thus constitute important mediators of cultural knowledge and experience. Likewise, those instances where sensory faculty is perceived to be ‘disabled’ in some way also become key sites for ideological commentary and critique. However, often biblical scholarship, itself ‘disabled’ by eye-centric and text-centric ‘norms’, has read sensory-disabled characters as nothing more than inert sites of healing; their agency, including their alternative sensory modes of communication and… Read more
Resourcing a Good Advent
An enjoyable and informative afternoon to prepare you for Advent! Bring a group from your Church for some Advent course inspiration. James Woodward, Principal of Sarum College, will review the best of the new books and Advent courses this year. Author Rachel Mann will also be launching her new book In the Bleak Midwinter. Rachel is an Anglican Priest, poet, writer and broadcaster based in South Manchester. Her book Fierce Imaginings has been shortlisted for the 2019 Michael Ramsey Prize. Thursday,… Read more
November 2019
Lunchtime Concert: Musicke in the Ayre
Lunchtime Concerts are held in the College’s Butterfield Chapel and are followed by a light buffet lunch (included in ticket price). Each concert starts at 12.45pm and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Subscription tickets are priced at £60. Individual concert tickets (subject to availability) are £12 per concert. Musicke in the Ayre Lute songs associated with Salisbury and poets in the Wilton Circle of Mary Herbert. Artists: Din Ghani, lute; Gillian Wormley, soprano. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826… Read more
Love is Listening: Responding to People with Dementia
Is loneliness an inevitable ‘stage’ of dementia? This day explores how the stories we live by enable or disable us to maintain emotionally meaningful relationships with persons with dementia, including those deemed to be beyond meaningful reach. When people with dementia can’t keep up with the normal flow of conversation, emotional isolation often ensues. But is loneliness an inevitable “stage” of dementia? Michael Verde, the founder of Memory Bridge (memorybridge.org), explores how the stories we live by enable or disable… Read more
Biblical Study Break: Digging into Isaiah 40-66
These courses offer a sustained study of a single biblical book or biblical topic led by emerging and eminent scholars who bring fresh perspectives to the study of scripture. For more information surrounding the Biblical Study Breaks in general, check page 38 of our Programme. This course will offer the opportunity to read all the text of these 27 lyrical, carefully-edited chapters, which are much-quoted in the New Testament. We will look at the famous Servant Songs, and consider the… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 1: Week 7: Performance and Prophecy: Ezekiel, Daniel and the 12 Minor Prophets
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Home by Another Route: Reimagining Today’s Church
What might the identity and mission of the church be in a post-Christian context? The day will explore the future nature of the church, its leadership and mission though the lenses of story, literature and theology of the biblical exile. The exile was a crisis in the life of the people of God, and a yet a period which elicited huge theological and practical reimagination. The exile provides a rich metaphorical story to explore our own sense of identity and… Read more
Sing Gregorian Chant
This day offers the chance to experience and sing Gregorian chant in a friendly context. An entertaining, informative and enjoyable experience structured around the monastic hour services. The theology of Gregorian chant is explored through singing it, for those with theological, historical or musical interests. Singing experience is welcome, but not necessary for the course. There will be a chance to sing a short service in the Trinity Chapel at Salisbury Cathedral. Using at first simple recitation in English, it… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 1: Week 8: Worship and the Temple: Psalms
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Leading by Story
We tell stories; we live in stories; we lead by story. Jesus told stories, and congregations invite others (or not) to join their story. The social sciences have taken a ‘narrative turn’ which offers new ways for thinking about how we work together. We will spend time telling and retelling our stories, and thinking about how we can make stories more attractive and more memorable. How do we invite people to join the story of the church? How do we… Read more
Can There Be a Theology of Art? What Would it Look Like?
This day will look at several theologians who have written about art, and develop some of their more fruitful lines of enquiry. It will also include a brief survey of some major theologians’ work in the field. The heart of the day will be using Trinitarian theology as a way of gaining critical insight into the evident spirituality of many works of modern as well as more traditional art. The challenge is to find a rich theology of art that… Read more
Music in Worship Day: Inspiring Music in Worship – Engaging with the Rural Church
In rural areas, clergy oversee worship in multiple churches for small village congregations stretching over considerable geographical areas. This can produce unique opportunities for lay leaders and musicians to work with clergy, exploring innovative ways to worship both inside and outside the church buildings. Published by the Royal School of Church Music and Praxis, the Inspiring Music in Worship series enables creative conversations, fosters collaborative ways of working and nurtures respect and trust. Earthed in real church case studies, this… Read more
Poetry and the Psalms
From the time of Wyatt and the Sidneys, the Psalms have been at the heart of English poetry. This day will explore these ancient texts as transplanted in the work of Herber and Vaughan as well as their later flourishing in poetry from the 18th century to the present day. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Exploring Theology Term 1: Week 9: The Text in Conversation: Ruth, Esther, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations and Ezra/Nehemiah
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Gospel of Matthew
A gospel that can scale the heights of theological wisdom and at the same time seem to descend to a low level of judgmental bitterness in its treatment of Jews and Judaism has to pose challenges for all who make it the focus of a year’s reflection and worship, all, that is, who want to make it the basis for communicating week by week the Christian gospel. No shunner of controversy with Jews or, for that matter, Christians of an… Read more
MODEM Conference 2019- Losing Control: Enabling Withness
MODEM Conference 2019 This conference, in partnership with the Susanna Wesley Foundation, will explore ideas Sam Wells has developed in his recent books and how these can relate to ideas from organisation studies about the emergence and non-imperialistic forms of organising and non-control and relate these to experience and wisdom from local churches. We will be exploring ideas that Sam Wells has been developing in ‘A Nazareth Manifesto: Being with God’ (2015), ‘Incarnational ministry: being with the church’ (2017) and… Read more
Sexuality and Spirituality
This module will provide students with the methodological tools to engage with a study of sexuality and Spirituality. Students will be enabled to understand how the Christian tradition has engaged with sexuality and Spirituality and how that impacts on contemporary debates. Students will be encouraged to relate these insights to their own experience and to critically evaluate the current theological and spiritual concerns in matters of sexuality. Those not on the MA programme are very welcome to book on this… Read more
Working Together
This module encourages engagement with a hermeneutical approach grounded in the Holy Trinity, which is examined through several traditions. Biblical examples of ministry and working together are critiqued through the disciplines of sociology, psychology and organisational studies and implications drawn for an understanding of the various forms of authorised ministry and the role of the laity. Students are encouraged to understand themselves and each other better through the use of teamwork profiling instruments and models. This leads to the consideration… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 1: Week 10: Suffering and the Meaning of Life: Job
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Queerness as a New Model for Vocation and Ministry
This day explores the nature of Queer Virtue, which puts queer experience at the heart of faith. Queer people bring extraordinary gifts to faith communities, but queer people are not unique in this. All of us bring gifts rooted in our identities and experience. ‘Queerness’ is a modus operandi that can help all of us bring our experience to bear together, to strengthen our faith and our communities. Liz Edman will explore the nature of Queer Virtue, which puts queer… Read more
Dementia: Who Cares for the Carers?
The majority of people living with a diagnosis of dementia are cared for at home by a family member. Most people living with a diagnosis of dementia are cared for at home by a family member. This hidden army of carers is often overlooked. We will hear carers’ stories and reflect on their needs for practical and spiritual support. This hidden army of carers is often overlooked, so this day will be dedicated to hearing their stories and reflecting on… Read more
December 2019
Liturgy and Mission
The church in the west faces new challenges of maintaining and communicating its identity in what is sometimes referred to as a ‘post-Christian’ society. In this context, the practice of public worship is receiving fresh attention as a means of articulating and embodying the Missio Dei, the mission of God. This module will explore how recent developments in scholarship and practice are bringing the two disciplines of liturgical studies and missiology into conversation with one another. The module will introduce… Read more
Text, Interpretation and Imagination
The images, stories, myths and teachings of the Bible have served as a foundation for the Western cultural imagination. The Bible, when read in each new cultural context, both challenges the readers’ cultural assumptions and is challenged by new ways of reading which spring forth from the readers’ distinct perspective. The discipline, art and craft of hermeneutics require that one become sensitive to both the reading of the text and the act of being read by the text. During this… Read more
Lunchtime Concert: Christopher Guild
Lunchtime Concerts are held in the College’s Butterfield Chapel and are followed by a light buffet lunch (included in ticket price). Each concert starts at 12.45pm and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Subscription tickets are priced at £60. Individual concert tickets (subject to availability) are £12 per concert. Christopher Guild Enigma Variations. Elgar’s rarely-heard transcription for piano of one of his most well-loved works, with a detailed introduction to the music given by the performer. Artist: Christopher Guild, solo piano. Contact Alison… Read more
The Life of the Virgin Mary on Page and Screen
The Virgin Mary is the principle woman in Christian Salvation history and links the three Abrahamic faiths. Over two millennia, the Virgin Mary has inspired magnificent works of art that reveal the complexities of the Marian tradition. She is the principal woman in Christian Salvation history; a symbol of beauty and sanctity; a figure implicated in gender, ecclesiastical and ecumenical politics; and a link between the three Abrahamic faiths as a Jewish mother whose son Jesus is worshipped by Christians… Read more
Sustaining Leadership
Drawing from personal experience of coming to a halt in ministry, Paul shares insights into human nature. Leadership, whatever form it takes, carries the potential for both tremendous privilege and enormous personal cost. Paul’s experience of leading a church whilst suffering ill health led to a deep encounter with his own human fragility through break down. This prompted him to look again at the ‘Who We Are’ of leadership rather than the ‘What We do’. Beginning with this story of… Read more
Whose Story is it Anyway?
A practical course about the oral tradition in much of our sacred texts and literature. We will examine the differences in oracy and literacy and see how the telling of shared experience often creates conflicting narratives. A central story in the Bible and the Qur’an will be discussed. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Winter Silent Retreat
Retreat from all the holiday noise by participating in the first of our biannual Silent Retreat offerings at Sarum. Using gentle liturgy, spiritual reflection practises and rest we aim to create a residential community of silence and calm for the weekend. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
January 2020
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 1: Reading the New Testament as Scripture
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for a rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might… Read more
Here: Now: Us- Church Leaders Training in Common Good Thinking and Practise
Here : Now: Us Churches are present in every community in the country. How can church leaders and people develop their capacity to address social divisions and strengthen civil society? This workshop has been developed by Together for the Common Good to enable church leaders to focus on exactly these challenges, in engagement with one another. The workshop explores what ‘the common good’ means in principle and practice. It draws deeply on Scripture and theology, while also paying attention to… Read more
The Emotional Toll of Care
Explore the notion of self-care as an ethical imperative for those working on the front line of human vulnerability. How best to manage a pervasive sense of futility and the experience of being the face of what may be perceived as a failing or inadequate system? A day for professionals to focus on the human side of their work, using evidence based intervention to counter maladaptive coping strategies such as withdrawal, denial, substance abuse or suicide. Main Outcome Measures: Take… Read more
A Day with W.H. Auden
Auden has been described as ‘the first poet writing in English who felt at home in the twentieth century’. But where did this position him when it came to religious belief. What do his poems, so varied in tone and subjects, have to offer contemporary faith? We will look at the wide range of Auden’s poetry, his conversation to Christianity and his consequent spiritual interrogation of the world. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 |… Read more
Reflective Practice
A critical study of how reflective practice can ground an understanding of leadership and improve performance. It will introduce students to contemporary models of reflective practice both in the educational, theological and business worlds and encourage reflection on how these models inform and critique one another. There will be opportunities to practice a variety of methods so that students can select and design their own models apply in their own work context. This (core) postgraduate module is open to wider… Read more
Art Exhibition: AWE: Paintings in Response to Creation
Based on an experience of remote bothy life in Shetland, surrounding by sea and sky. Using this, Peronel experienced the rawness of elements which are the starting point for her paintings and drawings. Peronel Barnes is an award-winning painter based in Oxford, who has exhibited at the Royal Watercolour Society and the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours where she collected the Outstanding Watercolour Award in 2011. Her work hangs in private and public collections across the world. Peronel… Read more
The Nature of Contemporary Spirituality
An introduction to the nature of Spirituality in the Christian tradition from the nineteenth century to the present day. Students will investigate the proliferation of Christian spiritualities in this period and consider the impact of modernism, postmodernity, feminism and political theology on contemporary conceptions of Christian Spirituality. Students will also investigate the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of academic responses to Christian Spirituality (in relation to literature, psychology, film etc), and the extent to which they extend the taxonomy of the discipline.… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 2: Dark Good News: The Gospel of Mark
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for a rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might… Read more
Humour in the Bible
G.K. Chesterton wrote that those who take everything seriously make an idol of everything, and we are often so serious when we read the Bible! This day is an invitation to uncover and appreciate the comic spirit in the Bible: wordplay, absurdity, hyperbole, satire, subversion, slapstick, and the scatological. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Dag Hammarskjöld: Life and Legacy
There has been growing interest in the late UN General Secretary Dag Hammarskjöld. His personality and the unique way in which he united spirituality and politics in an engaged spirituality is evident in his posthumous title, Markings. This day course will explore the significance of his insights for today’s conflict-ridden world. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 3: Of the House of David: The Gospel of Matthew
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for a rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might… Read more
Biblical Leaders: All Too Human
Leaders aren’t perfect; neither are characters in the Bible. That’s why biblical leaders are the perfect models for leadership case studies. Using the narratives of three biblical leaders- Abraham, Moses and Esther- as well as contemporary leadership studies and literary analysis, this course will inspire us to reflect on leadership, then and now. One of the best ways to explore leadership is through case studies of people who we admire and strive to emulate despite (or perhaps even because of)… Read more
Lunchtime Concert: Anemos Trio
Lunchtime Concerts are held in the College’s Butterfield Chapel and are followed by a light buffet lunch (included in ticket price). Each concert starts at 12.45pm and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Subscription tickets are priced at £60. Individual concert tickets (subject to availability) are £12 per concert. Anemos Trio Groovesome Threesome by Mike Mower and 6 sonatas by C.P.E. Bach. Artists: Robert Blanken, clarinet; Karen Kingsley, piano; Richard Moore, bassoon. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main… Read more
February 2020
Pastoral Liturgy Day: Guard us Sleeping: Praying at Night
The course explores how Compline provides a means of prayer for an age that is increasingly concerned about sleep. Participants will be introduced to the history and liturgical forms of Compline, the most recent work on the theology of sleep, and a variety of practical ideas on how Compline can be used in a local church setting. Opportunity will be given for discussion and sharing in the experience of prayer at night. Ideal for those with pastoral and liturgical responsibility… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 4: A Gentle Sensibility: The Gospel of Luke and The Acts of the Apostles
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Reading Scripture Together: The Binding of Isaac/Ishmael
This conversational one-day course series will re-read selected sacred texts in detail and consider the ways they have been interpreted, both in the written word and in art, and on their relevance and meaning to us today. Celebrated during Rosh Hashanah in Judaism, during easter in the Christianity, and for Eid al-Adha in Islam, the binding of Isaac/Ishmael is an important story. During this day, we will re-read the stories in detail and explore the ways the Christian, Jewish, and… Read more
Waiting on the Word: The Spirituality of Preaching
A contemplative approach to the art of preaching given over five sessions with time allowed for discussion. We look at how the spiritual life of preachers informs how they preach, both pastorally and prophetically, in today’s world and for a changing church. The final session focuses on practical skills. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Biblical Study Break: Sacrifice and Salvation: The Epistle to the Hebrews
The biblical concept of sacrifice is an essential component in understanding the significance of Jesus’s death and resurrection in the Epistle to the Hebrews. Sacrifice is no longer part of our world: we find the whole idea alien and repulsive. And yet the sacrifice is fundamental to the human imagination, especially to the relationship between earth and heaven, between humanity and the divine. Sacrifice is one of the basic concepts adopted by the early Christians to understand the significance of… Read more
Rural Mission and Ministry Day: Celebrating Festivals in the Rural Context
An exploration of the principles and practicalities involved in celebrating the major festivals of the church in the distinctively rural context. The course will explore imaginative ways of keeping feasts such as Christmas and Holy Week, but also the agricultural and rural feasts for which provision is made in Common Worship. Ministering in a rural context calls for a distinctive and particular approach to liturgical and pastoral provision. Rural multi-parochial benefices have a particular set of joys and challenges around… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 5: The Missionary Revolutionary: Paul and his Letters
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for a rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might… Read more
Bridgebuilding: Making Peace with Conflict
How can you better handle tensions and conflict in relationships and groups, including within the church? This course will offer you some tools, skills and insights for thinking differently about the conflict in human interactions, aiming to help you in building bridges with others. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Pastoral Ministry and Christian Spiritual Direction
This module enables students to explore approaches to pastoral ministry and spiritual direction within the Christian tradition. It presents them with different models of pastoral care and encourages them to reflect theologically on these models, placing them in their historical context. Students will explore issues of particular concern for pastoral ministry in the contemporary context and engage with non-theological disciplines that provide pastoral care. Students will be introduced to different approaches to the spiritual direction within the Christian tradition. They… Read more
The Bible: Cultural Critique and Transformation
The Bible is notably the most translated book in human history. Its worldwide popularity has shaped political, economic and cultural relations in societies where it is read. Its entrenchment in history has made it a language for readers, interpreters and textual critics alike who have found the Bible a useful means to address issues of concern within their contexts and so to voice various calls for social and cultural transformation. Despite the fact that the study of the Bible in… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 6: The Gospel of John and its Letter
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
The Challenge of Christian Animal Ethics
The consequences of modern animal agriculture, the environment, and human wellbeing is an increasing public concern. This study day will explore the Christian basis for concern for the flourishing of fellow animal creatures and the urgent ethical questions that follow for our use of animals for food. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 | 01722 424800 (main reception) Read more
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 7: Quests of the Historical Jesus
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for a rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might… Read more
Lunchtime Concert: Norbert Meyn and Alisdair Kitchen
Lunchtime Concerts are held in the College’s Butterfield Chapel and are followed by a light buffet lunch (included in ticket price). Each concert starts at 12.45pm and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Subscription tickets are priced at £60. Individual concert tickets (subject to availability) are £12 per concert. Norbert Meyn and Alisdair Kitchen A Feast of German Lieder by Schubert, Schumann and Brahms Artists: Norbery Meyn, tenor; Alisdair Kitchen, piano. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826 |… Read more
Marian Apparitions and Shrines
This one day course will cover shrines and apparitions of Mary in modern (19th and 20th century) Roman Catholicism, with a special emphasis on Europe. The aims of the day are that you will have opportunities to: 1. Appreciate the breadth of this phenomenon, and develop knowledge about well-known and little-known cases, taking into mind social contexts. 2. Discuss the figure of Mary at the centre of the visionary claims and messages. 3. Analyse the Roman Catholic Church response to… Read more
March 2020
The Eucharist
This module explores the most significant developments of eucharistic worship from the New Testament to the contemporary church. Students will gain an understanding of the theological, historical and social influences upon the Eucharist and the debates surrounding different interpretations of its meaning. Through the study of recent ecumenical conversations, students will be encouraged to relate their study to contemporary church contexts. Those not on the MA programme are very welcome to book on this module as an auditor. Contact Alison Ogden… Read more
Relocating Religion: Cultural and Spiritual Realignments
In a so called ‘secular age’ has religion and more specifically Christian faith and belief simply disappeared from public view altogether? Do modern people no longer require the ‘sacred canopy’ of religion to feel at home in the world? Has the idea and practice of religion become so tarnished with notions of religious fundamentalism and extremism or institutional irrelevance and corruption that by and large, in Europe at least, most people leave it to a small minority of others to… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 8: Use of Jewish Scripture, and Anti-Jewish Sentiment in the New Testament
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
The Wondrous Story: Preaching from Palm Sunday to Easter
The period between Palm Sunday and Easter is at the heart of our Gospel, but how do we preach it in a fresh and engaging way? Palm Sunday to Easter is at the heart of our gospel, but how do we preach it in a fresh and engaging way? Preachers are speaking to those who have heard the stories often, and often to visitors who come for many different reasons. They might be speaking to mixed-age congregations, or in the… Read more
Exile and Christian Authenticity
How did early Christians deal with the problem of Christian authenticity when the official imperial persecutions came to an end? We will examine how Christian authenticity laid claim to its past as a persecuted minority while simultaneously affirming its new status as a violent Christian empire. The course works with the use of episcopal exile to impose religious conformity points to a consistent dilemma for scholars who work on early Christianity and its role in the Roman empire. The mid-… Read more
Understanding Organisations
This module examines contemporary images and models of organisations, bringing multi-disciplinary critical insights into the emergence of organisational culture. The role of the leader is examined, especially through questions of power and authority and comparisons made between different approaches to ecclesiology and church organisation. Systems theories are used to examine organisations, including congregations: students are encouraged to reflect on their own situation and experience in the light of this. Those not on the MA programme are very welcome to book… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 9: Epistle as Performance: The Letter to the Romans
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
Making Sense of Revelation and Apocalyptic Literature
This course explores the range of apocalyptic texts produced by early Jews and Christians, including revelation, 4 Ezra, 1 Enoch, Apocalypse of Peter, and others. Revelation is perhaps the best-known apocalypse since it is the only example of its genre to make it into the biblical canon. But the first and second centuries produced a wealth of apocalyptic texts, including Revelation, 4 Ezra, 1 Enoch, Apocalypse of Peter, and many more. The reasons why this genre enjoyed such a surge… Read more
Exploring Theology Term 2: Week 10: The Apocalypse of St John
Exploring the Bible Exploring Theology’s year 2019-20 is subtitled Encountering the Bible, and focuses on gaining tools and understanding for rigorous, imaginative, faithful and fruitful encounter with the Scriptures. The Autumn Term explores the Hebrew Scriptures known to Christians as the Old Testament, then the Spring Term explores the New Testament. These two terms cover (almost) the whole of the Bible, with selected attention to especially significant themes and passages. The Summer Term then explores further how Christians might live… Read more
The Faith Journeys of Millennials
Today’s young adults are the least religious generation on record and yet there are still those for whom Christian faith is central to their identity. This one-day course will explore contemporary theories of identity and faith formation among young adults. It will be based on the findings of a large-scale qualitative research project undertaken with Millennials, in which they told the story of their life and faith through their twenties. They include the accounts of those who have lost their… Read more
Theology and Film
This module explores the growing field of theology and film. Students will become conversant in the language and history of cinema, noting specifically the unique ways in which film uses technology, editing, framing, and sound to convey meaning. After a brief introduction to film studies, students will then explore the historical relationship between theology and film, with specific reference to the reception (ranging from prohibition to utilisation) of film by the Christian Churches. We will spend time looking at and studying… Read more
Medieval Spirituality
This module will encourage students to evaluate Western Medieval schools of Spirituality. It will examine the role of women in this period and evaluate their contribution to the Mysticism and politics of the period. Students will be encouraged to assess the impact of the Crusades on the ongoing relationship between Islam and Christianity. The module will highlight the legacy of this period to the Churches in our day. Those not on the MA programme are very welcome to book on… Read more
Lunchtime Concert: Hannah Laurens and Tom McCoy
Lunchtime Concerts are held in the College’s Butterfield Chapel and are followed by a light buffet lunch (included in ticket price). Each concert starts at 12.45pm and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Subscription tickets are priced at £60. Individual concert tickets (subject to availability) are £12 per concert. Hannah Laurens and Tom McCoy A glorious romantic sonata by Julius Röntgen and other gems by Dutch composers. Artists: Hannah Laurens, violin; Tom McCoy, piano. Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries aogden@sarum.ac.uk | 01722 424826… Read more
Spirituality and Nordic Noir Crime Fiction
Using material from the Nordic Noir crime fiction genre, we explore three themes of spiritual and religious interest. Nordic Noir has achieved a major place in popular fiction, through books, TV series and films. As well as its qualities as whodunits and glimpses into the different-but-accessible Scandinavian world, it has been committed to interrogating aspects of Nordic and increasingly world society. Nordic environmentalism is both reflected and challenged in Scandi-crime narratives, questioning the impact of globalisation and corporatism and exploring… Read more
Sarum College 2019-20 Courses and Events Brochure
