School for Shalom
Growing Leaders, Transforming Communities
School for Shalom
Growing Leaders, Transforming Communities
We focus on releasing the unique potential of local people and places through practical, formative and accredited leadership development programmes.
Register now with NTC to enrol on the 2025-26 MA in Theology Humanitarian Development & Social Justice pathway – further details below.
We are delighted to announce a new collaboration with Nazarene Theological College (validated by the University of Manchester) to establish the Seedbeds School for Shalom—a centre for recognised, formative, and practice-based community leadership development.
Join a Movement for Thoughtful, Committed Community Transformation
At Seedbeds, we believe that every local community holds the seeds of transformation—no neighbourhood should be left behind. The key to lasting change lies in discovering, connecting, and releasing the unique gifts and talents of local people and places. Just as a seedbed nurtures life, we equip and support leaders who cultivate environments where God’s Shalom—God, people, and place living in harmony—can take root and thrive.
To help make this vision a reality, Seedbeds partners with Nazarene Theological College (validated by the University of Manchester) a leader in theologically rich, practically grounded, and mission-focused education. NTC’s dynamic and diverse academic environment—spanning undergraduate certificate to PhD—aligns with our passion for equipping grassroots leaders to transform their communities from within.
Together, through the Seedbeds School for Shalom, we offer inspiring, faith-filled learning experiences that are deeply rooted in the everyday realities of community life. Our programmes equip leaders to discover, join, and live out God’s mission in ways that release real transformation from within their local contexts in the 21st century.
Though based in Winson Green, Birmingham, UK, our reach is global. We are building growing partnerships with educational and community-based organisations worldwide, equipping leaders through BA, MA, and PhD pathways (in partnership with NTC) in social and community transformation, as well as immersive and specialised courses designed to cultivate social and community transformation.
Join us as we grow leaders who can offer hope, renewal, and lasting change in their communities.
Why Choose the Seedbeds School for Shalom?
Through our recognised practical, and formative community leadership programs, you will access:
Engagement
Connect with the best thinking and practices in community leadership, including community formation, enterprise, and organising to grow real change from the ground up.
Tutoring
Learn from outstanding and experienced Christian leaders and activists who have a proven track record of transforming local communities.
Learning
Be equipped in supportive, connected, and inspiring environments that foster both personal and communal growth.
Growth
by continuing to live and lead from your own, unique urban community.
Recognition
by world class educational institutions.
Growth
Continue to live and lead from your own unique local community, ensuring your learning is immediately relevant and impactful.
Recognition
Gain qualifications through NTC, from a world-class educational institution, opening doors to further opportunities.
Join us and be part of a movement that nurtures transformational local leadership for the common good.
Take Your Next Steps with the Seedbeds School for Shalom
- Pursue a BA, MA, or PhD studies through Nazarene Theological College (validated by the University of Manchester). Please apply here.
- Enrol in specialised courses and immersive learning experiences designed for practical application.
- Join a global network of scholars, practitioners, and community leaders committed to transformational change.
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.
Upcoming Programmes & Events
Newbigin Annual Public Lecture
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. In previous years this has included: Dr Steve Bevans (2018), Dr Krish Kandiah (2019), John Newbigin and Dr Ash Barker (2021), Dr Cathy Ross (2022), Shane Claiborne (2023), Dr Deirdre Brower (2024), Professor Anthony G. Reddie (2025) and Revd Dr Sam Wells (2026).
Next year’s Newbigin Annual Public Lecture will be delivered by Dr Ruth Valerio at 7pm (doors open 6pm) on Wednesday 30 June 2027 at Lodge Road Community Church, Winson Green, Birmingham B18 5BU.
With responses TBC.
Join us for an evening of insightful, challenging, and inspiring dialogue on faith, justice, and transformation.
Light refreshments provided.
A free event but donations welcomed!
MA in Theology (Humanitarian Development and Social Justice)
MA Module: ST7670 Shalom in Action
Tutors: Dr Ash Barker (Seedbeds School for Shalom) and Kate Bowen-Evans (Nazarene Theological College)
When? 9 – 16 January 2027 at Nazarene Theological College, Manchester.
This unit can be taken for a number of MA in Theology pathways through NTC and awarded by University of Manchester. Please apply here.
MA Module: ST7701 Theological Foundations for understanding & practising Community
Tutors: Dr Ash Barker (Seedbeds School for Shalom) and Anna Whitfield (Nazarene Theological College)
When? 29 May – 5 June 2027 at Nazarene Theological College, Manchester.
This unit can be taken for a number of MA in Theology pathways through NTC and awarded by University of Manchester. Please apply here.
Semester Abroad & Exchange Programmes
Live and learn in Winson Green for a semester, combining:
- Pilgrimage & spiritual formation
- Recognised & informal learning
- Immersive community engagement
- Stay tuned for new international university partnerships!
- Email Dr Ash Barker for more information at ash.barker@seedbeds.org
Free Online Course: Leadership Through Community Development
Gain practical strategies for sustainable change! Based on Dr. Ash Barker’s book No Wastelands, this 8-session video course covers:
- Asset-Based Community Development principles
- Real-life transformation stories
- Actionable tools for local impact
- Perfect for small groups, community leaders, and personal study—and completely free!
- Click here
Real Stories. Real Impact.
“I’m so glad I took the leap of faith to enrol on the Masters in Social Justice! All four of the modules I chose were led by the Seedbeds team and I am grateful that I got to learn from experienced teachers, make friends with international classmates and get re-energised by inspiring guest lectures from across the world. The module on resilience taught me practical tools to reduce my stress level at work. The community engagement residential directly inspired me to launch a new project providing free sports to hundreds of local women. The Practices of Social Justice classes shaped my charity’s new five-year strategic plan. And the Leadership & Change readings gave me valuable advice which I’ve been applying day-to-day. The course has undoubtedly equipped me to do a better job of serving my community.” Jessica Craig, Co-Director, Bonny Downs Community Association
“I would really recommend [the Seedbeds units], they’re a fun way of learning and a really great academic background to community work and faith in action.” Louise Jones is a recent MA in Theology graduate and talks about her experience studying the Resilient Discipleship and Community Engagement units:
Sherry Owolabi, MA in Theology graduate talks about her experience studying for her Masters at Nazarene Theological College and in particular choosing Resilient Discipleship as one of her modules, “My time of study [at NTC] was extremely influential in shaping and equipping me for Christian Ministry… Resilient Discipleship… was a truly transformational course for me and I would encourage you to enrol.”
