“Will you be diligent in prayer, in reading Holy Scripture, and in all studies that will deepen your faith and fit you to uphold the truth of the Gospel against error?”
The Church of England recognises the centrality of lifelong learning, support and development1-3 in the lives and ministry of its clergy. In The Diocese of London we are clear that clergy should feel both affirmed in their ministry and accountable to their Bishop and colleagues for their development.3
Under the Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations, all those holding office under Common Tenure are under a duty to participate in Ministerial Development Review and Continuing Ministerial Development.
This document sets out the policy of London Diocese in offering opportunities for support and development and laying down the expectations for clergy in continuing learning and development in their ministry.
For the purposes of this document, and for CME in general, the term ‘clergy’ will also encompass Lay Ministers who hold the Bishop’s Licence, including Church Army Officers.
The fundamental purpose of Continuing Ministerial Development is to equip and develop the Church’s ministers in order that they may stimulate and enable the whole Church to participate more fully in the mission of God in the world.1
There is a mutual responsibility for on-going support, training and development between individual members of the clergy and the Diocese of London.
The diocese recognises its responsibility to offer appropriate provision for the support and development. The Bishops have, therefore, appointed officers to oversee the delivery of support and development opportunities, and have also ensured the provision of financial and other resources. The first point of contact will be the Area Director of Ministry (ADM) whose details are below.
For their part, each member of the clergy has the responsibility to seek out and use the resources available, both at a local level and more widely.
All Stipendiary Clergy (and Self Supporting Clergy, where possible) are expected to attend designated Bishop’s Study Days and Area Conferences. Such conferences and study days are designed to offer opportunities to address issues of topical importance in clergy ministry.
The term ‘Self Supporting Clergy’ is used to cover all Clergy who carry a Bishop’s Licence who are not paid by the Church, including, Self Supporting Ministers (SSM), Non Stipendiary Ministers (NSM), Ministers in Secular Employment (MSE), etc.
All clergy are actively encouraged to undertake an annual programme to update their theological and associated studies as well as practical skills. Many courses are made available through the Episcopal Areas and the Diocese. However, there will be many other opportunities available through universities, colleges, church and secular organisations. Some financial provision is available to support this, and clergy are also encouraged to negotiate contributions for this from their working expenses (see below).
All clergy are encouraged to develop their own areas of theological interest and expertise. Again, some financial provision is available for further degrees, summer schools and equivalent, and extended study and research.
CMD aims to offer a number of network opportunities, meetings and seminars for particular interest areas and clergy groupings within the Episcopal Areas and Diocese.
All clergy in their first three years of ministry are expected to undertake the Diocesan POT Programme, as provided in each Episcopal Area (or centrally, as appropriate). There are no exceptions.
Episcopal Areas provide a year-long induction and mentoring programme for all new incumbents and those in posts of significant responsibility. Details of this are are available online here. This programme will vary depending whether it is the person’s first or subsequent incumbency and also on whether the new incumbent’s previous appointment was within or outside the Area/Diocese.
All clergy are expected to undertake Child Protection and Inter Faith Awareness Training within their first two years of appointment.
All Licensed Clergy are expected to undertake an annual Ministerial Development Review with a trained MDR Consultant of their choice. Additionally, all Licensed Clergy will have a triennial Episcopal Review.
The current MDR process offers a three-year cycle approach which includes a variety of approaches to Review, including Extended Ministerial Review (EMR). EMR invites participation in the review process from colleagues and others.
For details, see the MDR and EMR pages.
Individual Work and Ministry Consultancy, Coaching and other support are available for clergy to assist them in their ministry.
Alongside the Mentoring Programme, all new Incumbents can expect to meet with their Area Dean and Area Director of Training and Development at various points in their first year. There will also be review meetings with Archdeacon and Bishop. All incumbents new to the Diocese of London are expected to attend a five-day residential to assist them in induction and in vision setting.
The diocesan CMD programme also offers a variety of other residential opportunities for clergy to develop their ministries, and seeks to support and encourage clergy at various stages of ministry.
An important part of clergy support will be opportunities to spend time and share ministry with clergy colleagues. All licensed clergy are expected to participate fully in Deanery Chapter and Synod, and to use such meetings as opportunities for encouragement, support and shared learning. Area Deans aim to include in chapter gatherings opportunities for training, development and mutual support.
Additionally, clergy are encouraged to work proactively in local clustering of parishes, and, where appropriate to work ecumenically. The Diocese of London has a reputation5 for clergy who see their colleagues and neighbouring churches as Partners in the Gospel, rather than as threat or competitors – whatever their church tradition. This is recognised as an important factor in church growth.
The Bishops have appointed Advisers and Officers in areas of specialisation and expertise to assist clergy in their ministries. Clergy should contact these people directly to consult and use their expertise. Details are available in Area documents, including in the Welcome Pack and the Diocesan Directory.
The Diocese of London actively supports and encourages parishes to work in Ministry Leadership Teams or equivalent. MLTs are seen as important places and opportunities for support, development and learning to take place.
All licensed clergy may apply for a three month period of study leave after ten years in ministry (and after every subsequent tenth year). Normally, up to £1,500 is available for approved study leave.
All clergy are expected to undertake an annual retreat and to have a Spiritual Director, Mentor, or equivalent. The Bishop, Archdeacon, Area Director of Training and Development or Area Spirituality Adviser may be contacted to discuss these issues further. The London Centre for Spirituality also runs a full programme.
All licensed clergy can apply for discretionary CMD grants. Requests in the region of £100 – £200 will be considered by the ADM/CMD officer. Grants are given for approved courses, conferences and other training and development. However, CMD grants are not available for retreats or for the purchase of books, equipment, etc.
Further, enhanced grants are available for longer courses of study, training and personal and ministerial development, including further degrees. Normally this will be up to £750, in consultation with the ADM/CMD officer.
The Revd Prebendary Dr Neil Evans
020 8987 7332
neil.evans@nulllondon.anglican.org
Two Cities
The Revd Prebendary Dr Neil Evans
020 8987 7332
neil.evans@nulllondon.anglican.org
Stepney
The Revd Irena Edgcumbe
020 7033 3446
irena.edgcumbe@nulllondon.anglican.org
Kensington
The Revd Canon Miles Baker
020 3837 5247
miles.baker@nulllondon.anglican.org
Edmonton
The Revd Nigel Taylor
020 3837 5254
nigel.taylor@nulllondon.anglican.org
Willesden
The Revd Andrew Corsie
020 8991 9571
andrew.corsie@nulllondon.anglican.org
