2027 Archway Association of Retreat Houses Annual Conference
£339
Monday 11th January, 2027 @ 3:00 pm – Thursday 14th January, 2027 @ 2:00 pm
What does a thriving retreat centre look like in five years’ time? How are changing patterns of spirituality affecting your retreat house ministry? When was the last time you attended a retreat as a guest rather than facilitated one?
If your work involves overseeing the on-going life and ministry of a retreat house then this Archway Conference is for you!
Archway’s 2027 annual conference is designed especially for those who spend much of their time creating space for the retreat, reflection and formation of others. The opening part of the gathering offers you, as a retreat house professional, the opportunity to step back from the demands of daily ministry and experience a retreat day for yourself, with time for prayer, reflection, rest and spiritual renewal in the company of peers who understand the unique joys and challenges of retreat house ministry.
Building on this foundation of renewal, the second part of the conference turns towards learning and professional development. Through a programme of seminars, clinics and discussions, participants will explore a range of topics relevant to the effective and sustainable running of retreat houses in today’s context.
Topics to be covered follow two streams, spiritual and practical, and include building a spiritual community, offering trauma-informed ministry and support to those who are broken, working effectively with your board of trustees, governance and human resources considerations and emerging trends in retreat ministry and more.
Together, the conference offers both nourishment for the soul and practical resources for the work, equipping retreat house leaders to return refreshed, encouraged and better prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead. You do not need to be a member retreat house of the Archway Association (and there is no obligation to become one). Simply put, if you are involved in running a retreat house then this conference is for you!
There is a fantastic line-up of highly experienced individuals contributing to this event, including:
Bishop Adam Atkinson – Recently appointed Archway President, Bishop Adam serves as Bishop of Bradwell in the Diocese of Chelmsford. His path to ministry was non-traditional, working in media consultancy and serving briefly as an Army Officer. This varied professional background informs his approach to leadership, combining strategic thinking with a grounded, relational style. He is a published poet, often using literature to explore faith and the human experience. Bishop Adam appreciates and values deeply the work and ministry of retreat houses in today’s spiritual landscape.
Roy Searle – Roy is a Companion and former leader of Northumbria Community. He has served as the President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and one of its Pioneer Ambassadors as well as being a founding member of Renovaré Britain and Ireland. Roy is passionate about encouraging people to love God, listen well, think deeply, live authentically and generously.
Ian & Gail Adams (the leaders of our time of retreat) – Gail is a life coach and spiritual director with a particular interest in practices for engaging well with new seasons of life. Ian is a poet, photographer and spiritual director. He is Spirituality Lead at Church Mission Society, and writes about the spiritual life.
@urbelov_ed @pacebene @stillthelightshines
Isabel Merrifield – Isabel is an experienced senior leader and owns her own management consultancy company. She has had a varied career, working for Royal Mail, a few local government posts and as Chief Operating Officer at Coventry Cathedral as well as undertaking interim placements in other cathedrals and dioceses across the country. Isabel is passionate about ensuring religious organisations are well governed and sees good executive functions as fundamental to mission delivery.
Debbie Smith – Debbie brings experience as a psychotherapist, of teaching pastoral care and counselling and of leading retreats. She has worked in parish ministry and as a healthcare chaplain, both in the UK and in New Zealand.
PRICING & HOW TO BOOK
Per person price for single occupancy accommodation: £339.00
*Per person price for double occupancy accommodation: £271.20 / Total room price: £542.40
*If more than one representative per retreat house is in attendance then a 5% price reduction is available.
Price includes en-suite accommodation, all meals, and all retreat resources. It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night after this conference. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay.
Click here to book your place on this conference now:
For any questions, or queries or if you’d like to know more, please call Launde Abbey on 01572 717254 or alternatively email Archway at [email protected].
Archway is looking forward to what will be a very special time of shared experience and hopes you are able to join.