Description
A Modern Church Retreat to be held at Holland House, Worcestershire, 4pm Thursday April 23rd, till after lunch on Saturday, April 25th, 2026.
Why do so many of us disqualify ourselves from ‘being theologians’? Is it the Church, the academy, or both, that prevent us from embracing the truth that Christians are all already theologians, by virtue or our baptism? If we set aside the notion that ‘theology’ is an impenetrable activity undertaken by church professionals or academics, designed merely to service the church, what might emerge? What if theology is simply the activity by which we talk to and of God? A way in which we bring our experience of the world into dialogue with the faith tradition we both inherit and can change? what then? What new and exciting directions might there be for our spiritual development?
Join us for a couple of days of honest and open discussion, creative worship and reflection. Be part of a process where there are no ‘silly questions’ and of a space in which we support one another to reflect on our relationship to prayer, scripture, the history of our churches and their teachings. Explore what ‘doing theology’ can mean; how the diverse and vast Christian tradition can be transformed from ‘restricted access’ to ‘open all areas’, to plunder and enjoy!
Our team of facilitators encompass a range of practical theological specialisms and will include:
Elaine Graham is Chair of Modern Church, Professor Emerita of Practical theology at the University of Chester, and Fellow of the British Academy
Helen Stanton is Warden of Holland House and former Anglican Tutor in Ethics, Doctrine and Spirituality at the Queen’s Foundation
Simon Sutcliffe is Free Church Chaplain at Keele University, currently researching the development of theological literacy amongst lay adults.
Alison Webster is General Secretary of Modern Church and a writer and thinker on themes of mission theology and social justice, identity and Community Organising
Please note that Holland House does not provide a choice menu at meal times and it is therefore very important that you note any food types that you are unable to eat due to an allergy or you can advise of a dietary preference of vegetarian, pescatarian, dairy free, gluten free or vegan.
If you are a Modern Church member then please book via our alternative link.
23rd Apr 2026: A Modern Church Retreat – ‘I’m not a Theologian, but….’ – Modern Church members
Holland House Bursary Scheme: We can give up to 25% off at your request if our retreats are too expensive for you.
Please contact reservations@hollandhouse.org to book. If you need a more generous bursary, please email the Warden, Helen Stanton via warden@hollandhouse.org
Please pay what you can so others may benefit from our bursary scheme. Thank you.