For general information about Self Supporting Ministry please visit our vocations section.
Where can I find a template working agreement?
The template working agreement is here.
What expenses can I claim for?
This can vary from parish to parish. You should discuss this with your incumbent and record the outcome in the working agreement (template here).
Do I have to do IME2?
All curates are required to complete Initial Ministerial Education Phase 2 (IME2) which covers the first three years after an ordinand is made a deacon and follows a clearly defined and managed programme. In year three of IME2 curates join two CMD training days – Your Next Move and Chairing Meetings, as part of their final preparations for leaving curacy and moving towards their next post. Post curacy ongoing formation and development is supported through Continuing Ministerial Development (more details here).
Will the Diocese pay for training courses it wants me to do and are the courses available in the evening?
The Diocese does not pay for training courses for SSMs. You should discuss your (and the parish’s) training requirements with your incumbent and agree if the parish will pay any associated costs. Each course is different. Some are available in the evening.
Can I be paid for covering occasional offices (weddings, funerals etc)?
If you are asked to perform occasional offices (for example, service/mass cover in a neighbouring parish), you may not accept payment although your expenses (for example, travel) may be covered. The convention in the Diocese of London is that any payment offered should be given to the parish in which (or for which) the occasional office is performed.
Do I get a Ministerial Development Review (MDR)?
Yes. All ordained clergy in the Diocese have a MDR once every three years. You see what this covers from the form here. To reflect the distinctiveness of SSM the form is not the same as that completed by full-time clergy although it covers the same topics in depth but as they suit SSM ministry.
What other support is available?
As well as your incumbent, Area Dean, Archdeacon and Area Bishop (and the contacts below) there are a number of people who can provide support. Chief among these are the Diocesan and Area Directors of Ministry. You can also contact the Bishop’s Adviser on SSM, Annette Fritze-Shanks (annette.fritze-shanks@london.anglican.org)
The Diocese has an Employee and Clergy Assistance Program and pastoral support is also available from trained pastoral supporters who can be contacted here