Timetable
Activities in bold indicate times when we are all together. More information on certain activities is available further down the page, or by clicking the links in blue.
Wednesday 14 May |
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| 8am | Morning Prayer | Reception area |
| 8.30am | Breakfast | Dining rooms |
| 9am | Gathering worship | Derbyshire suite |
| 9.15am | Engaging with God's word leading into small groups |
Derbyshire suite See conference pack for small group locations |
| 10.30am | Tea and coffee | Main house |
| 11am | Keynote address - the Revd Canon Prof Luke Bretherton | Derbyshire suite |
| 12pm | Eucharist | Derbyshire suite |
| 1.15pm | Lunch | Dining rooms |
| 1.30pm | Bookstall open | Lounge |
| 2.15pm | Ministry for our times: Listening to the voice of young people | Derbyshire suite |
| 3.45pm | Tea and coffee | Main house |
| 4.15pm | Workshops and reflection spaces | Various, see below |
| 6pm | Evening prayer in small groups | See your conference folder |
| 6.30pm |
Pay bar open |
Bar area, main house |
| 7pm | Evening meal | Dining rooms |
| 8pm |
Entertainment |
Old Conference Hall Lounge |
| 9.30pm | Night prayer | Chapel |
Note that some workshops and reflection spaces have limited space available. Sign-up sheets are provided outside the Derbyshire Hall.
Communion is in both kinds throughout the conference. Gluten-free wafers are available and will be consecrated on a separate paten.
Jump to: General information | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday
Engaging with God’s Word
Location: Derbyshire Suite, 9.15am
The passages and themes will be:
- Acts 8.26-40: Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch
- Acts 9.1-19: Conversion of Saul
- Acts 10: Cornelius
The second and third readings will be followed by a time of reflection in small groups, and questions are offered to guide your conversation.
Space for your own notes, along with questions for your small group to discuss, can be found in your programme.
Keynote: The call to pastoral leadership as a call to political leadership
Location: Derbyshire Hall, 11am
The Revd Canon Prof Luke Bretherton, Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at Oxford, invites us to reimagine pastoral leadership as political leadership—shaping the church as a community that witnesses to the kingdom of God. Explore how power, conflict, and community life are part of faithful ministry, rooted not in management but in love, hope, and justice. A bold vision for the church’s public vocation today.
Eucharist
Location: Derbyshire Hall, 12pm
More information to follow.
Ministry for our times: listening to the voice of young people
Location: Derbyshire Hall, 2.15pm
More information to follow.
Workshops
Happening on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, be sure to sign up for one of the spaces for exploration. These include workshops, guided conversations, creative arts and prayer and spirituality reflection spaces. They offer a range of ways to engage creatively, deepen engagement or provide space for active reflection.
Sign-up sheets can be found in the foyer area of the Derbyshire Hall, our main meeting space. Please note that some workshops and reflection spaces have limited space available. Sign up promptly to avoid disappointment.
Please note the following workshops run every day, and details can be found in Tuesday's programme:
- Rhythm with God
- Restoration through Creativity
- Epiphany: The Space
- Reflective Prayer Space
- Walk for the Future Prayer Pilgrimage
Location: Tissington Room, Lakeside – maximum 50 participants
What if pastoral leadership is also political leadership? Building on his keynote address, Luke invites us to reframe the pastor as one who forms a community shaped by the politics of the kingdom of God—rooted in faith, hope, and love. Explore the theological depth of this calling and its implications for leading the church as a distinct political witness in the world.
Location: Writing Room – maximum 20 participants
You are chosen. You are called. You are still being shaped. Using the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method, join Ben Mizen for a prayerful, hands-on session exploring how God’s gifts may be reshaped for the present moment, and how the Spirit continues to build through you - even in seasons of transition.
Location: Reading Room
Discover the support available to help your church grow in Christ-likeness and outward-facing mission. In this session, diocesan mission specialists explore the joyful, context-specific nature of mission, with a focus on social justice, creation care, EDI, and generous giving. Learn how these areas intersect—and how diocesan staff are here to walk with you every step of the way.
Location: Meeting Room 7 – maximum 20 participants
What helps clergy truly flourish? Dr Liz Graveling shares insights from the Church of England’s decade-long Living Ministry research. Explore a practical framework for wellbeing, discover key challenges and strategies, and reflect together on how national findings connect with life in the Diocese of Oxford. A collaborative session on sustaining healthy, thriving ministry.
Location: Derwent Room, Lakeside – maximum 50 participants
What is coaching, really—and how can it support your ministry? Join Jane Myers, seasoned coaching practitioner and neurodiversity specialist, for an interactive session in which she live-coaches Bishop Gavin and unpacks the power of person-centred coaching. Discover its benefits, explore what’s on offer, and learn how asking the right question can be a game-changer for growth and clarity.
Location: Meeting Room 4 – maximum 20 participants
How do we reach and disciple young people in fast-changing, often overlooked places? With passion and wisdom, Rachel Gardner draws on years of experience in urban youth ministry to explore how churches can engage Gen Z and Gen Alpha in deprived areas and new estates. Expect practical insight, honest stories, and strategic ideas for nurturing lasting faith in shifting communities.
Location: Meeting Room 5 – maximum 20 participants
Rural ministry isn’t a detour—it’s a deep, sacred calling. Join Matt from the Arthur Rank Centre for a reflective, story-rich workshop exploring how God forms us through the quiet beauty and challenge of countryside ministry. Together, we’ll uncover how smallness, community, and the Spirit shape our calling and sustain our faithfulness in rural places.
Location: Butterley 1
Ever dreamed of swinging like Sinatra or crooning like Crosby? Join Nick Gallant and Liam Cartwright—seasoned musicians and church leaders—for a fun, interactive dive into the world of jazz singing. Learn the secrets of the style, build confidence, and leave with practical ideas to bring soulful sound into your church context. Just bring your voice and your love of music!
Location: Meeting Room 3 – maximum 20 participants
What are young people saying to the Church? Join Discipleship Enablers Yvonne, Kathryn, and James, alongside Gemma Beasley, to reflect on voices from four diocesan schools. Discover how your parish can listen, truly hear, and act in partnership with young people to shape a faithful, intergenerational future.
Location: Meeting Room 7 – maximum 20 participants
What if your sermon made them feel before it made them think? This dynamic workshop explores how connection - not just content - is the key to effective preaching. Discover how to meet people where they are (spiritually speaking, often six feet under), stir their hearts, and borrow the best from culture to serve the Kingdom. Led by comedian and preacher Andy Kind.
Location: Lounge, main house
More information to follow.
Bookstall
Location: Lounge, main house
St Andrew’s Bookshop provides a range of publications written or suggested by our keynote speakers and workshop leaders. Get your hands on some books to help you go deeper with the week’s themes.