Page Includes Training Opportunities & Grants / Sabbaticals
Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD)
Revd Susie Curtis, Ordained Ministries Development Officer, has responsibility for the CMD programme for clergy.
Training Opportunities within the Diocese
How to Use AI in Ministry
led by James Lawrence from CPAS
Monday 20 April, 1pm to 2pm
Online via Zoom (use the link in the button below)
We hear so much about AI. Some see it as their 'saviour' (it isn't!), others as leading to the apocalypse (it won't). We'll explore practical ways to use AI in ministry that will utilise AI as a contributor to your leadership. No knowledge of AI needed. Sceptics welcome!
All things young people
Monday 18 May, 1pm to 2pm
Online via Zoom (use the link in the button below)
A chance to meet the new Diocesan Lead for Growing Younger and the wider Growing Younger.
Following St Francis of Assisi: lessons for everyday ministry
led by Simon Cocksedge and Brother Samuel SSF
Monday 15 June, 1pm to 2pm
Online via Zoom (use the link in the button below)
The 800th anniversary of Francis' death is 4 October 2026. In this session, Br Samuel SSF [Franciscan friar] and Simon Cocksedge [Third Order Franciscan] will each offer brief presentations considering how this significant Franciscan date might be used in everyday ministry this autumn. There will also be time for discussion and sharing of ideas.
Upcoming events
We have a number of events for licenced clergy and those who offer a preaching ministry in the diocese:
Women in Ministry Day
This session is for female clergy.
Wednesday 6 May, 10am to 3pm
St Alkmunds Church, Kedleston Road, Derby
Light refreshments will be available but do please remember to bring your own lunch. Book your place here.
Working with Teams, led by Rev Nicky McGinty
This session is for all licenced clergy.
Tuesday 19 May, 10am to 4pm
St Barnabas Centre, Pilsley Road, Danesmoor, Chesterfield
Working in churches often involves team working. Our focus for this day is how can we create, build and develop teams so that they are effective. We will also explore ways to respond when teams are not working well. This will be a blend of theory, practice and theology to help us improve our ability to collaborate well. Nicky is a highly experienced trainer, consultant, facilitator, coach and reflective supervisor based in Leicestershire.
She is a self-supporting priest in the diocese of Leicester and an honorary canon of Leicester Cathedral.
Light refreshments will be available but do please remember to bring your own lunch. Book your place here.
Trauma-informed Ministry: Moving forward in a changed world, led by Rev Tim Treanor
This session is for all licenced clergy.
Tuesday 7 July, 10am to 3.30pm
St Barnabas Centre, Pilsley Road, Danesmoor, Chesterfield
Participants will explore: Physically responses to trauma, chronic stress, anxiety and conflict; The impact of trauma on communities and organisations; How churches might respond in considered, creative and sustainable ways; Where God is in all of this.
Rev Tim Treanor accompanies ordained ministers as a pastoral supervisor, facilitator of Reflective Practice Groups and Spiritual Director. Influences on his practice include serving as a Team Rector, Ignatian spirituality, group analysis and contemplative prayer
Light refreshments plus lunch will be available. There is space for 12 to 18 participants which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Book your place here.
Preaching the Lectionary - Mark, led by Rev Amy Hole
These sessions are for all who offer a preaching ministry in the Diocese of Derby.
Monday 2 November, 7pm to 9pm
Online via Zoom
Tuesday 3 November, 2.00pm - 4.30pm
St Johns Walton, Walton Back Lane, Chesterfield
Rev Amy Hole is Vicar of Christ Church Heeley in central Sheffield, serving a large parish with considerable socio-economic needs. The church is racially diverse, with a range of ages, and is broadly low evangelical in worshipping style. Alongside parish ministry, and serving as area dean, Amy is also an Associate Tutor at St Hild College, where she currently teaches New Testament Greek, Preaching, and Reflective Practice, and she writes Bible notes for Scripture Union.
The session is offered on line via zoom or in person please complete a booking form according to your preference. Book the online session here or book the in person session here.
How to Lead a Church where Discipleship Thrives, led by Matt Hogg CPAS
This session is for all licenced clergy.
Tuesday 2 February, 10am to 4pm
St Barnabas Centre, Pilsley Road, Danesmoor, Chesterfield
This training day equips leaders to embed discipleship and formation into everyday church life. We’ll explore simple rhythms, practices, and culture-shaping influences that can help people move from spiritual curiosity to lasting commitment, growing deeper in their faith and trust in Jesus over time.
Light refreshments will be available but do please remember to bring your own lunch. Book your place here.








