'Let's work towards never again'
 

National conference hosted by the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence (CSBV) will explore harmful legacies left by abusive Christians in positions of power

Preying on the Sheep - Finding Green Pastures after Pastoral Harm is the title of this year's CSBV national conference. It takes place at Tyndale Baptist Church from 6-8 May.

CSBV is led by Baptist minister the Revd Dr Helen Paynter. 
 
'Are you passionate and intentional about developing healthy Christian ministry?' Helen said.

'Are you keen to grow in care for others that is biblically oriented and Christ-centred? 

'The Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence (CSBV) is inviting you to attend its national summer church conference.

'The conference will explore the harmful legacies left by abusive Christians in positions of power.

'It will look at how you can meet the needs of this generation and give guidance on how to offer pastoral care for survivors of spiritual abuse.

'Amongst other passages, there will be an opportunity to delve into the pastoral Gospel of John and investigate the 2 Corinthians case study.

'Finding green pastures after pastoral harm is possible; join the CSBV in May as it seeks to help Christians respond in ways which are wise and helpful.'

The conference will explore the following questions:

• How can we help churches and individuals to recover after ecclesial abuse scandals?
• How can we build church cultures that resist abusers rather than enabling them?
• How can we train church leaders to lead churches in healthy ways?
• How can existing ministers find and recover patterns of healthy leadership?
• How should church leaders handle the power that comes with the role?

 
'As news of major church abuse cover-ups breaks year after year, join the CSBV in this important conference to work towards never again,' Helen added. 

 
Speakers include:
Professor Lisa Oakley, Professor of Safeguarding and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Chester, where she serves as Deputy Programme Leader for the MSc in Family and Child Psychology. 

Justin Humphreys, CEO & Head of Safeguarding Development at Thirtyone:Eight. 
 

Preying on the Sheep took place from Tuesday 6 May to Thursday 8 May 2025 at Tyndale Baptist Church, Whiteladies Road, Redland, Bristol BS8 2QG.

The Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence is a study centre dedicated to working in the area of the interpretation of biblical texts of violence. It exists to promote and conduct high-quality scholarship, and to serve the churches in the UK and internationally by offering accessible resources to equip them to read the scriptural texts of violence well.