Seedbeds School for Shalom

e key to growth is discovering, connecting, and releasing the unique gifts and talents of local people and places. Just as a seedbed nurtures life, we support our students to create environments where God’s Shalom—God, people, and place living in harmony—can take root and thrive. A Growing Movement for Change
A collaboration with Nazarene Theological College (University of Manchester), Seedbeds School for Shalom is a centre for practical, formative, and accredited community leadership development. Programmes will include Specialist Units and Research Supervision for BA, MA, and PhD degrees in Social & Community Transformation. Now Open for Applications!
🔹 MA in Theology: Humanitarian Development & Social Justice – Enrol now for 2025-26
🔹 Next MA Unit: Building Communities of Shalom (31 May – 7 June 2025)
📍 Location: Nazarene Theological College, Manchester
👉 Apply today here: https://nazarene.ac.uk/ma-in-theology-humanitarian-development-and-social-justice/

Upcoming Programmes & Events

Newbigin Annual Public Lecture 2025
To stimulate Christians into more thoughtful and deeper engagement in the places they live and serve, we offer a public lecture with a high profile leader who embodies a contemporary spirit of Lesslie Newbigin. Previous speakers include: Dr Steve Bevans (2018), Dr Krish Kandiah (2019), John Newbigin and Dr Ash Barker (2021), Dr Cathy Ross (2022), Shane Claiborne (2023) and Dr Deirdre Brower Latz (2024).

📅 Next Lecture: 6pm, Wednesday, 11 June 2025
🎤 Speaker: Professor Anthony G. Reddie (Professor of Black Theology, Oxford University) with responses from Revd Dr Deirdre Brower Latz (NTC) and Bishop Mike Royal (Churches Together England)
📍 Location: Lodge Road Community Church, Winson Green, Birmingham B18 5BU
🎟 Free entry! Professor Reddie is a world-leading scholar in Black theology, decolonial education, and transformative faith practices. His insights challenge and empower communities to engage in justice and reconciliation.
👉 Book your free ticket here! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2025-newbigin-annual-public-lecture-by-professor-anthony-g-reddie-tickets-1030029996447?aff=oddtdtcreator


Next MA Unit: ST7680 Community Engagement: Building Communities of Shalom
🗓 31 May – 7 June 2025
📍 Nazarene Theological College, Manchester
👥 Tutors: Alistair Rooms and Ash Barker with Sally Mann, Ian Rutherford, Dr Andre Van Eymeren and a live zoom interview with Brian McLaren! We need healthy and flourishing communities now more than ever. Learn from leading community activists and thought leaders in an inspiring, supportive environment. Explore the best thinking and practice in community-building, and gain the tools to unlock your community’s potential. This unit is available as part of several MA in Theology pathways, awarded by the University of Manchester.
👉 Apply now! https://nazarene.ac.uk/ma-in-theology-humanitarian-development-and-social-justice/

Semester Abroad & Exchange Programmes
Live and learn in Winson Green for a semester, combining:
✅ Pilgrimage
✅ Accredited & informal learning
✅ Community life & service
📢 Stay tuned as we finalise partnerships with universities worldwide! Free Online Course: Leadership Through Community Development
💡 Gain practical strategies for sustainable local change! Thanks to NTC, you can now access a FREE 8-session video course led by Dr. Ash Barker, based on his book No Wastelands!
✅ Learn asset-based community development principles
✅ Hear powerful real-life stories
✅ Discover tools for local impact
Perfect for small groups or personal study—and completely free!
👉 Start today: [https://ntcvirtual.onlinecoursehost.com/courses/-nowastelands]

What Our Students Say
📢 "I’m so glad I took the leap of faith to enrol on the MA in Social Justice! Every module led by the Seedbeds team equipped me to better serve my community. From practical tools to reduce stress, to insights that shaped my charity’s five-year strategy—this course was life-changing!"— Jessica Craig, Co-Director, Bonny Downs Community Association

📢 "I would really recommend the Seedbeds units! They’re a fun, engaging way to learn and offer a great academic foundation for faith-based community work."— Louise Jones, MA Theology Graduate

Join the Movement!
📩 Get in touch to explore our programmes, events, and learning opportunities. Whether you’re a community leader, student, Pioneer or Change Maker, we invite you to be part of this growing movement of hope and possibility.

🌱 Together, let’s cultivate leaders and transform communities.