The placing of deacons in their first post is based upon their need for formation. Some places and some people are more suitable than others to be involved in that formation. In deciding which clergy (usually incumbents) should have the major responsibility for training deacons, bishops and their staff use the guidelines listed below. They provide the areas to be considered but they are not a blueprint.
The training incumbent should be an experienced and effective priest who:
a) has a vision for the mission of the church in the parish which involves the development of lay ministry;
b) is a person of prayer who can inspire others to pray;
c) is a good listener and enabler;
d) is able to act as guide, adviser and consultant rather than benevolent dictator or efficient delegator;
e) has a secure but not rigid faith and spirituality that can be shared with a colleague who will not necessarily have the same views or traditions;
f) is theologically acute enough to be able to help the assistant in the process of integrating theological study with ministerial experience;
g) is still prepared to learn and particularly to undertake in-service training;
h) is able to share ministry with a colleague, including sharing difficulties as well as successes;
i) is capable of allowing an assistant to develop in ways different from him/herself;
j) is able effectively to mobilise resources for training the assistant over a three year period and prepared to allow others to be involved in that training;
k) has the time to devote to regular training sessions with the assistant, apart from staff meetings and informal contact;
l) has a pattern of staff meetings and daily worship which is mutually convenient for the incumbent and the assistant;
m) is aware of the importance of the POT programme and will liaise with the POT Director in ensuring that the assistant gives it priority;
n) will give priority to attending training incumbents' meetings;
o) will be committed to staying in the parish for at least the diaconal year of the assistant and preferably for the greater part of the training period;
p) has good working relations with fellow clergy, lay leaders and officers in the parish, and those outside the church.
Assistant clergy ordained in the Diocese should remain in their first post for at least three years from ordination to the diaconate, or two years from ordination to the priesthood, whichever is longer. A change from one curacy to another in the Diocese during the first three years after ordination is sanctioned by the Bishops only in very special circumstances.
Housing accommodation free of rent and rates and repairs must be provided, and proper expenses of office should be met in full.
