Sydney: Making Leaders' Friendships Thrive Seminar
2026-05-20 10:00 - 12:30 (Australia/Sydney) | The Garrison Church, 60 Lower Fort St, Millers Point, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
It may surprise you, but one of the loneliest people in a church is often not sitting at the back, but standing at the front. More than 30% of church and Christian leaders lack close friends because of their role, leading to higher rates of burnout, anxiety, and leaving ministry. Yet those with close friendships are twice as likely to stay, with greater joy and resilience.
Why is friendship so difficult in leadership? Many face four quiet tensions: balancing openness with confidentiality, vulnerability with responsibility, acceptance with challenge, and preference with impartiality. These pressures can make meaningful connection feel complex and out of reach.
In Making Leaders’ Friendships Thrive, I’ll help you navigate these tensions and build friendships that fit the realities of your calling. You’ll leave with practical tools, renewed conviction, and a clearer path toward the kind of friendships every leader needs. Spouses are warmly welcome too – this affects them also.

Rise 96.5 Supporters Dinner Brisbane
2026-05-22 19:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London)
I’ll be keynoting this important donors event for Rise 96.5 Brisbane, held at Pullman Brisbane. While in Brisbane I’ll be doing events for business and church leaders, so watch out for additional details to come.

Melbourne: Making Leaders' Friendships Thrive Seminar
2026-05-28 10:00 - 12:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | The Mary Glowrey Building, Level 4, Room 49 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia

Courageous Conversations (via Zoom)
2026-05-31 17:30 - 19:00 (Australia/Brisbane)
Every month, St Mark’s Anglican in The Gap, Queensland, host a community event exploring a range of issues facing society. I look forward to Zooming in for this one, focussed on adult friendship during the loneliness epidemic. If you’re in Brisbane, Australia, take part in-the-room from 5.30pm.

Linking Lives Webinar
2026-06-16 10:00 - 23:00 (Europe/London)
Linking Lives are a brilliant UK-based befriending charity working to prevent loneliness and isolation in society. I’ll join them online for this webinar focused on the power of friendship.

Oxford Community Church
2026-06-28 10:30 - 12:00 (Europe/London)
I’ll be speaking on The Power of Friendship at Oxford Community Church’s morning service. All are very welcome!

Scriptoria Writer's Workshop Dundee
2026-08-01
Scriptoria is a week-long writing workshop that focuses on writing craft, creative soul care, and the life of faith. Hosted by author and academic Cynthia Beach, the faculty includes global names in fiction and non-fiction like Sharon Garlough Brown, Gary D Schmidt, Murray Watts, Vinita Hampton Wright, and more. I’ll be leading sessions on compelling storytelling and friendship for writers. This will be a very powerful week.

Civil Society Faith Forum
2026-09-09
I’ll be giving the closing keynote at Civil Society’s Faith Forum conference, bringing various UK faith-based charities together for a day focused on hope.

Making Church Leaders' Friendships Thrive Retreat
2026-10-20 17:00 - 2026-10-22 14:00 (Europe/London) | St Katharines, Frieth, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 6NN, United Kingdom
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 are nearly twice as likely to stay in ministry. This overnight retreat will address the unique barriers church leaders face to help them make their friendships thrive.

Making Educator's Friendships Thrive - Methodist Teachers Conference
2026-11-06 | Southlands College, University of Roehampton, United Kingdom
I look forward to keynoting the Methodist Schools 2026 Educator’s Conference, helping head teachers, teachers and all staff make their friendships thrive. Held at Roehampton University.

Making Church Leaders’ Friendships Thrive Retreat
2027-02-02 - 2027-02-04 | Scargill House, Kettlewell, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 5HU, United Kingdom
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 are nearly twice as likely to stay in ministry. This two-day, two-night retreat will address the unique barriers church leaders face to help them make their friendships thrive.
Join us in the incredible environment of North Yorkshire enjoying Scargill’s incredible hospitality.

Partners for Influence Retreat
2027-02-04 - 2027-02-05 | Partners for Influence
This annual retreat in Grantham UK brings Christian leaders from a variety of denominations together for two days of refreshment. I look forward to bringing some insight on leaders’ friendships and making them thrive. Held at the Belton Woods Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Grantham.

Making Church Leaders' Friendships Thrive Retreat
2027-04-12 - 2027-04-14 | Lee Abbey Devon, Lynton, North Devon, EX35 6JJ, United Kingdom
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 are nearly twice as likely to stay in ministry. This two-day, two-night retreat (with bonus no-content retreat day on the Thursday) will address the unique barriers church leaders face to help them make their friendships thrive.
Join us in the incredible environment of Devon enjoying the Lee Abbey community’s incredible hospitality.
