Coventry’s termly CMD programme is built around three strands: Core Skills, Fresh Thinking, and Wellbeing. The intention of the programme is to focus on those things that are central to the life, faith and ministry of clergy and licensed lay leaders.
All sessions are free, and can be booked through Equip Hub.
Please contact the Director of Ministry & Leadership with suggestion or requests for future programmes, or if there is a subject or issue that you would like to lead a CMD session on.
Continuing Ministerial Development – Spring 2026
Welcome to the Spring Programme for Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD).
Please give careful consideration to which of these events would be most helpful for your ministry. It is required that all clergy who receive a stipend attend at least two of these sessions each year (in addition to attending the Bishop’s Study Morning, Study Day and Safeguarding Day). So, if you have not yet attended a CMD programme event this year, please identify two of these events that will resource you and your ministry.
Licensed Readers are encouraged to attend at least one learning or training event from one of the diocesan programmes (including this and the Pathways programme) each year. Other lay leaders are warmly welcome at any session that will resource their ministry.
Rob Harrison
Supporting parents when a child dies
Thursday 15th January, 10.00am to 12.30pm
Venue: St Peter and St John, Rugby, CV21 3QP
Most clergy, and some lay leaders, will at some stage find themselves supporting a family whose child is dying, or has died. It is a time when the care that we offer can have a huge impact on both the family and ourselves. In this session we will think through some of the complexities that might be involved. What might the parents be experiencing? What may or may not be helpful for them (including funeral planning)? How might this affect us? What insight does theology have to offer?
This session will be led by Rev’d Nell Cockell, who has been a healthcare chaplain for nearly two decades. She has worked closely with the families of children who are palliative, and with bereaved families, in more recent years establishing an award-winning role at South Warwickshire University NHS Trust. There will be opportunity for everyone to share their own experiences and insights and to learn from one another, as well as from Nell.
Who is this session for? Clergy & Lay Leaders
Equip Hub link: https://www.equiphub.org.uk/supporting-parents-when-a-child-dies/
Bishop's Learning Together Day – Walking Forwards Together
Thursday 29th January, 9.15am – 4.00pm
Venue: Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BG
This day of learning and refreshment will follow on from +Sophie’s Advent focus on Hearing from God. The day will be co-led by +Sophie and a guest speaker. Further detail will be circulated soon.
There will be a certain number of spaces available for Readers and other Lay Leaders. Please contact Rob.Harrison@Coventry.Anglican.org to reserve a space for one of your lay leaders.
All licensed clergy who receive a stipend are required to attend this event; those who are not able to do so need to contact bishopsophie@bishop-coventry.org copied to Rob.Harrison@Coventry.Anglican.org. Chaplains and Self-Supporting Ministers are encouraged to attend if their working patterns allow.
Equip Hub link: https://www.equiphub.org.uk/walking-forwards-together/
Discovering your Leadership Voice
Tuesday 3rd February, 2.00pm to 4.30pm
Venue: John Laing Centre, Coventry Cathedral, CV1 5EX
Everyone has a leadership ‘voice’. Do you know yours?
In meetings, in arguments, in moments that matter, being understood can be exhausting. When we don’t know our own ‘voice’, or that of others, communication can down. This nationally resourced workshop will help you to understand your own foundational leadership voice and appreciate how that voice impacts on those you lead.
The workshop will be delivered by Simon Kirby, a Senior Consultant with the Wakeman Wright Group. Simon has 20 year’s experience of ordained ministry, and has seen the benefits of this training session within his own parish context as well as in dioceses around the country.
Who is this session for? Clergy & Lay Leaders
Equip Hub link: https://www.equiphub.org.uk/discovering-your-leadership-voice/
Challenging Theology – Leadership, failure & God: could it have worked for King Saul?
Wednesday 11th February, 2.00pm to 4.30pm
Venue: Holy Trinity, Leamington (Bethany Room), CV32 5RE
We all face failure. It is an uncomfortable reality for anyone in leadership. Guided by David Runcorn, we will reflect together on Saul’s experience and explore how the biblical narrator tells this story of the tragic failure. We will seek wisdom for how we manage our own failings in the vulnerable leadership contexts and expectations that are ours today.
David Runcorn is a writer, theological teacher and spiritual director. This session will be based on his reflections on the Samuel saga - Fear and Trust – God-centred leadership (SPCK).
This regular feature of the programme is an opportunity to stimulate and refresh our theological thinking. If there is an area of theology that you have been exploring and would like to share at a future event, please contact Rob Harrison.
Who is this session for? Clergy & Lay Leaders
Equip Hub link: https://www.equiphub.org.uk/challenging-theology-king-saul/
Preparing, Financially, for Retirement
Tuesday 3rd March, 10.00am to 12.30pm
Venue: St Martin’s, Finham, CV3 6EA
This session is NOT JUST FOR THOSE WHO ARE CLOSE TO RETIREMENT. Indeed, there is great benefit in starting to prepare financially for retirement as early as possible.
The session will be led by Michael Mumford from the Church of England Pensions Board, and will cover issues relating to retirement housing as well as clergy pensions. There will be an introduction to the current provision, and plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
Who is this session for? Clergy
Equip Hub link: https://www.equiphub.org.uk/preparing-financially-for-retirement/
Four Perspectives on the Cross: the crucifixion in the Gospels
Thursday 12th March, 2.00pm to 4.30pm
Venue: St John the Divine, Willenhall, CV3 3AY
Each of the four Gospels has an individual take on the crucifixion of Jesus - in this session Richard Cooke will look at each in turn, pairing them with a piece of art that reflects the themes.
This session, led by Richard Cooke, will be an opportunity for personal reflection, engaging afresh with the significance of the cross, and may also provide a resource you could use in Holy Week.
Who is this session for? Clergy & Lay Leaders
Equip Hub link: https://www.equiphub.org.uk/four-perspectives-on-the-cross/
Nationalism & Immigration – How do we engage?
Wednesday 18th March, 10.00am to 12.30pm
Venue: St Paul’s, Foleshill, CV6 5AJ
There is growing concern in our communities relating to nationalism and immigration. As flags appear on our street lamps, protests take place outside asylum seeker hotels, and political parties shift their policies, Christian leaders can get drawn into difficult conversations with people within and beyond their church communities.
This workshop, facilitated by Neil Masih (diocesan Intercultural Mission Enabler), will offer resource and support in responding in a way that is clear, informed and Christ-like, whilst considering how we can unite people with compassion.
Who is this session for? Clergy & Lay Leaders
Equip Hub link: https://www.equiphub.org.uk/nationalism-immigration-how-do-we-engage/