Date: 20/10/2026
Time: 17:00
-
14:00
Cost: £260.00
Audience: A unique retreat for leaders at all levels
Location: St Katharine's Retreat House, Parmoor, Henley on Thames RG9 6NN
Making Church Leaders’ Friendships Flourish
A unique retreat for leaders at all levels
“The most challenging thing about ministry is the loneliness, in life and work.” — Senior church leader
Half of all church leaders say they are ‘often’ or ‘frequently’ lonely, and one-in-three lack close friends. The risks are high: isolated pastors are more prone to burnout, while those with close friendships have lower anxiety and depression, higher meaning and happiness, and are nearly twice as likely to stay in ministry.
This two-day retreat will address the unique barriers church leaders face—role-based isolation, boundary complexities, the challenge of vulnerability, and more, to help you make your friendships thrive. Through story, discussion and reflective exercises, you’ll discover practical ways to form and deepen friendships tailored to your calling as a church leader.
What You’ll Discover:
Understanding society’s ‘friendship recession’ and its impact on clergy
The four qualities of a friend and friendship’s wellbeing benefits
The five stages of friendship and how to navigate them
Overcoming barriers unique to a leader’s relationships
A personal friendship audit and roadmap for deeper intimacy
Treating friendship as a spiritual practice
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Arrival is through the afternoon on Tuesday 20th October in time for 5:30pm. All meals are included, along with tea/coffee throughout. The retreat will end after lunch on Thursday 22nd October 2026.
To book your place or request further details, please email: office@srpf.org.uk or call the office on 01494 881037.
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Leader: Sheridan Voysey
Sheridan Voysey is an author, broadcaster, and founder of FriendshipLab.org—a charity dedicated to making adult friendships thrive.
He is a regular presenter of Pause for Thought on BBC Radio 2’s Scott Mills Breakfast Show, and the author of nine books, including Resurrection Year and The Making of Us. www.sheridanvoysey.com