Ministry in a Conflicted World
A formational leadership series for bishops
The Lambeth Conference is all about exploring what it means to be 'God's Church for God's World
As part of our journey towards the Lambeth Conference, we’re offering a new online series, called ‘Ministry in a Conflicted World’ – A formational leadership series for bishops.'
Ministering as a bishop in a divided and complex world is challenging. We see this in our own relationships, our communities and nations.
- How can we follow the model of Jesus and lead in a way that brings hope, restoration and reconciliation?
- How can we allow the Holy Spirit to form us into the likeness of Christ, enabling us to show an alternative way is possible?
The series will offer theological and practical input on three habits that can shape our ministry and leadership. It will explore what it means to: Be present, Be curious and Reimagine.
The series is brought to you by the Lambeth Conference Company in partnership with Difference, part of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Reconciliation Ministry.
Who is the series for and how can bishops register?
The three-part series is for all Anglican Bishops of the Anglican Communion.
The sessions will run in February, March and April 2022.
Details will be emailed out to all Anglican bishops already registered to take part in the conference.
The series is also open to all bishops of the Anglican Communion. If you haven't registered for the conference but would like to take part, email the Lambeth Conference Team.
To register, email our conference team: info@lambethconference.org
Why take
part?
- Hear from expert practitioners and theologians on leadership and reconciliation.
- Work together on developing and applying the three formational habits.
- Reflect on the Bible with other bishops from across the Communion.
- Listen to, learn about and pray for each other’s contexts.
- Build on relationships started during the Bishops Conversations and prepare well for Lambeth Conference.
What are the session aims,
dates and times?
Bishops attend one session per month, in this 3-part series. A range of time zones and language groups will be on offer.
Session 1: Be Present - 1 or 3 Feb 2022
Exploring a theology of incarnation and lament, this session will help bishops discuss what it means to be ‘present’ in ministry with those who are suffering, marginalised or disagree with us.
Session 2: Be Curious - March 1 or 3 March
Exploring a theology of encounter, this session will help bishops to minister across divides, with a curiosity that seeks to listen, grow understanding and enable fractures to be healed.
Session 3: Reimagine - 5 or 7 April
Exploring a theology of hope and reconciliation as mission, this session will help bishops focus on enabling our churches to reimagine and bring transformation. It’s through community that reimagining often takes place.
What’s the format of
each session?
Bishops will receive resources in advance of each session, including a short film to watch about the topic. In the film, Bishops will hear from expert practitioners and theologians on leadership and conflict. Bishops are then invited to gather in groups with others from around the Communion to reflect on a passage of scripture (guided by commentary from Bible scholars from around the world); work together on developing and applying the session’s habit; and listen to, learn about and pray for each other’s contexts.
A part of each session will be dedicated to praying for peace across the Communion. A few nominated bishops in each session will share their experience of conflict, division and hope. All bishops will be invited to respond in prayer. It’s an opportunity to experience the power of God at work through the global Anglican family and deepen your understanding of how to pray for your fellow bishops as we approach the Lambeth Conference.
Join our facilitation team of hosting bishops
It’s important that these sessions represent the diverse ministry experiences of bishops from all around the Anglican Communion. We invite bishops to support these sessions by volunteering to be a hosting bishop that facilitates discussion.
The Hosting Bishop changes for each session, giving as many bishops as possible a chance to contribute to the series. Only a small amount of preparation is required to facilitate a session and each allows room for the Hosting Bishop to shape it as they wish.
This is one of the main ways in which Bishops can explore the formational habits being developed throughout the series, modelling them as they engage with the material and fellow Bishops.
Hosting Bishops will be aided in their session by a Co-Host: someone identified by the Lambeth Conference team and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Reconciliation team who can provide facilitation and administration support throughout all three sessions.
How can bishops register?
Details will be emailed out to all Anglican bishops already registered to take part in the conference.
The series is also open to all bishops of the Anglican Communion. If you haven't registered for the conference but would like to take part, email the Lambeth Conference Team.
To register, email our conference team: info@lambethconference.org