Bishop’s Study Day 2026
Wednesday 4th March was an inspiring day as over 150 clergy and key lay leaders from across the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham gathered at St Mary’s Church, Nottingham for the annual Bishop’s Study Day for a day of worship, prayer, and teaching.
The morning began with a warm welcome from Amanda Lees and Tors Ramsey, who facilitated the event. This was followed by opening prayers led by Andy Emerton for the Middle East and for the Diocese of Guildford following the death of Andrew Watson, and a spirit-filled time of worship.
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
-Colossians 3:1-4
There were three powerful and reflective sessions centred on the theme, Inside Out Leadership. In the first session, ‘Hidden with Christ’ based on Colossians 3, Revd James Halstead explained that following Jesus is not about hiding from the world, but about living in a holy hiddenness where our lives are secure in Christ and shaped by God’s reality. This does not mean withdrawing from the world, but living both inwardly rooted in Christ and outwardly visible through a distinct Christian life. He encouraged that we nurture our inner life with God daily through prayer, aligning their thoughts with God’s truth, and cultivating thankfulness. He ended the session with an interactive prayer exercise on thankfulness.
The second session, led by Bishop Paul, reflected on the challenge of bridging the gap between our hidden spiritual life and the reality of everyday discipleship. He asked the important question, “How is it with your soul?”, noting that there is often a gap between what we know and believe in our minds and what we actually experience in our hearts and daily lives. He shared a personal story of a time where his awareness of God’s presence was renewed, deepening his ability to hear God’s voice, and leading him to resurrender his life to God. Spiritual formation, like a construction site that may appear messy, is an ongoing process, but believers can remain confident that God is at work within them. The session ended with a prayer asking God to open hearts, transform minds, and renew passion for Him.
In the final session, Archdeacon Tors reflected on Christian leadership and community life through Colossians 3:12–14 and John 9:1–7. She highlighted how Jesus first truly saw the blind man’s humanity before addressing his condition, showing the importance of creating safe, empathetic spaces where people can bring their wounds for healing. She encouraged that Christian leaders are called to “clothe themselves” daily with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience which are qualities that foster truth, restoration, growth and transformation within their communities.
There was also a brief interview with the Head of Ministerial Development & Wellbeing, the Revd Kate Byrom, who explained her role in supporting those in licensed ministry, both lay and ordained, to continue growing as leaders as they lead the work of Growing Disciples across the diocese, and shared her vision for this work.
A Clergy leader shared, “The teachings this year focusing on the posture of our hearts as leaders, felt particularly timely for me as I prepare to step into a new leadership role. It reminded me how easy it is to become so focused on pouring into others that we neglect taking time to examine our own hearts and souls.”
Two Apprentice Track Interns also shared about the day:
“Had a wonderful time. Was a great time of community, filled with lots of great wisdom, and a beautiful time of worship!”
“I really enjoyed the Bishop’s teaching day! The talks were impactful and honest, and it highlighted to me how important time together as a diocese is.”
The day closed with a communion service led by Amanda Lees and Richard Frith.
