Transitioning in Ministry
For clergy who are:
- Starting out in a new post?
- Retirement approaching?
- Taking on a new responsibility?
There are great opportunities for those who are making or have made a transition in ministry listed below. These courses are entirely free to relevant clergy. They are run at central venues for our local regional dioceses. You can book directly and we will be invoiced for the fee.
You can see a full list of 2026 training events here.
First Responsibility
This Consultation is for those who have recently been appointed to an incumbency status post. It is intended to help you understand your role more fully and give you the opportunity to explore, in an atmosphere of mutual confidence and away from the parish, any questions or concerns you may have. It will also enable you to discern which areas you need to do more thinking about. It is designed to complement the guidance and preparation you receive within your own Diocese.
- March 24th to 26th, St Columba’s House, Woking. Book here.
New Post
This consultation is designed for clergy who have recently moved to a new post other than a curacy or first responsibility. It helps participants analyse their new context of ministry and identify future priorities. Those who attend this consultation should have been in their new post for about around 3-14 months. There is no ‘taught’ material in this course, participants work in small groups through a process to identify what they have found, their relationship with God, their hopes for the future and by the end some specifics for the next few months. Much of the value of this course comes from interaction with colleagues in a similar position and the sharing of ideas.
Preparing for Retirement
This consultation will enable participants who are approaching retirement within the next five years or so to focus on a range of issues related to the closing years of public ministry and the opportunities for continuing discipleship, ministry and well-being when the particular public role has ended. We welcome spouses to this consultation and provide them with the opportunity to reflect on their own and with their partner on what this coming change of life and work might mean for them.
Working with the Newly Ordained
For those taking on specific responsibility for the training of a new clergyperson in their first post after ordination.
- May 12th to 13th, Sarum College, Salisbury. Book here.
Clergy Transitions Service
The Clergy Transitions Service provides professional coaching to help you explore the whole range of roles in the Church of England. This is entirely confidential, free and outside of local diocesan structures.
The service is run by two professional coaches who have a wealth of experience in transition and executive coaching, as well as a good understanding of the Church of England.
- Get professional free advice from career coaches with extensive experience in this field
- Gain new skills, build your confidence and explore a different role with expert support every step of the way
- Discover your strengths, interests and skills
- Get practical help with job applications and interviews
- Rooted in the context of life-long discernment and formation
The service will also run webinars and workshops throughout the year offering practical tips and advice. See more details here. To contact the coaches please email.