5 - 7 May 2027, Ripon College Cuddesdon
‘I came that you might have life, and have it more abundantly.' John 10.10
The Abundant Academy for Clergy programme is a group-coaching, personal and leadership development programme designed specifically for those in religious ministry; connecting with the passion and wisdom inherent in our calling, and resourcing us to be effective without burning out.
The Programme trains us for spiritual leadership – working uniquely with archetypes/types of Christ - for all the ministering that we do, including pastoral care, community support, preaching, teaching, writing, research, team-and volunteer-management, self-growth, and professional and personal relationships, as well as effectively supporting, mentoring and leading others.
Abundant Academy resources help us to deepen our connection with God, with ourselves, and with all who are engaged by our ministry. Our families and friends gain great benefit too from the changes that we are able to make and to role-model, as we become, to put it simply, more alive.
‘The glory of God is a human being fully alive.’ St Irenaeus
How people experience the programme
77% of Abundant Academy participants reported feeling somewhat or very overwhelmed at the beginning of the programme, and 73% depleted or somewhat exhausted with 64% saying that they felt anxious all or some of the time. By the end of the programme, 50% said that they were either flourishing or on top of things and 60% said they were abundant or energised with 90% saying that they felt calmer.
Barna Report ; Ministry burnout: Myth or Reality?; Burnout: Has the pandemic pushed pastors to the point of no return?; Church Times on prevention of clergy burnout
The programme’s creator
Revd Dr Harriet Harris is Principal of Ripon College Cuddesdon, a former university lecturer in theology, and a former university chaplain in Oxford and Edinburgh. She is a licensed Coach and Trainer with One of Many® the fastest-growing network of women leaders in the UK. Harriet is also a Trainer with Student Minds, an Embodiment Coach, and a Licensed Time-To-Think Facilitator. She continues to publish academically. She was awarded an MBE in 2017 for Services to Multi-Faith Education and Community Cohesion, and elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2022 for her innovative work in universities.
Participants receive:
- A 3-day residential training retreat in a beautiful countryside location just outside of Oxford, hearty meals, and glorious chapels, and plenty of walks available.
- Full notes from each session with assignments for embedding the learning.
- On-going membership of the Abundant Academy Community, with online sessions of lazer coaching, embedding of the resources, and community-forming with other Abundant Academy graduates.
- Access to a growing library of blogs, and suggested podcasts and texts to support what is being learnt in the Abundant Academy.
- Invitations to online and in-person Away-Days and Workshops with the Abundant Academy Community.
Testimonials
"AbAc is time very well spent, for it actually gives you more time, not less. It helps you focus on your values, so that you find yourself concentrating on those things that energise you and that are meaningful to you, discarding what is trivial and unimportant." Prof. Pauline Phemister, Professor of the History of Philosophy, University of Edinburgh
"The course was really well set out: exercises lead to deep reflection and inspiring conversations. The sharing was often intimate even though most of the participants had never met before, I think this is because Harriet's wonderful facilitation made everyone feel safe and appreciated. I learned from the exercises as much as I learnt from what others were saying about their lives, and people were clearly becoming more optimistic as the course went on." Suzy Paulus, PhD student
"I feel wiser and more confident since the programme. I use the archetypes a lot. They are really useful in many different situations, such as when I have had a stressful time or busy day, when I am worried about my family and times of uncertainty, when we think about the world’s future, in giving permission to do things for the greater good without feeling guilt. Fear, guilt and perfectionism are what can hold me back – understanding the inner critic has been really helpful." Student Adviser
For any queries please call 01865 874404 or email [email protected]
Cost £550: inclusive of the programme, accommodation and meals.