Continuing Ministerial Development

Will you be diligent in prayer, in reading Holy Scripture, and in all studies that will deepen your faith and fit you to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel?

This question is asked of bishops, priests and deacons in the Ordinal and places life-long learning, support and development at the heart of the lives and ministry of all clergy.

In the Diocese of London this individual clergy responsibility is supported by a range of training and development opportunities and resources.

These include direct training courses and residential conferences, indirect training such as study leave, and at the Area level Ministerial Development Review, Bishop’s Study Days and Area Conferences. Funding may also be made available for further and higher education.

Who is it for?

Diocesan CMD training is available to all licensed, stipendiary and self-supporting clergy, where possible.

Where can I find out about training events?

Diocesan events are listed below and can be seen alongside external CMD opportunities on the events webpages. There are also many other training offerings available in the Diocese through the Diocesan Priorities.

Can I take study leave?

Clergy may apply for a three-month period of study leave after every seven stipendiary years following curacy. Study leave will not normally be granted within the first two years of a new appointment, or within two years of expected retirement.
More information can be found here.

What about Lay Ministry training?

Information for Licenced Lay Ministers can be found on the Lay Ministers support pages.

Who is responsible for my training?

There is a mutual responsibility and expectation for on-going support, training and development between individual members of the clergy and the Diocese. This was further formalised in the Terms of Service defined by Common Tenure.

The bishops have ensured the provision of processes, financial resources and supporting staff. Each member of the clergy has the responsibility to seek out and use the resources available, both at a local level and more widely. These expectations include the requirement for all Licensed Clergy to undertake a biennial Ministerial Development Review with a trained MDR Consultant of their choice. Additionally, all licensed clergy will have a biennial Episcopal Review.

Where does IME2 fit in?

Initial Ministerial Education Phase 2 (IME2) covers the first three years after an ordinand is made a deacon, and follows a clearly defined and managed programme. CMD offers support to clergy at all stages of their ministry.

Curates are welcome to attend CMD training events alongside their IME2 years 1-2 training programme, if agreed with their Training Incumbent and ADI (Area Director of IME2). In year three of IME2 curates’ join two CMD training days – Your Next Move and Chairing Meetings and APCMs, as part of their final preparations for leaving curacy and moving towards their next post. Post curacy ongoing formation and development is supported through CMD.