People

Revd Ruth Crossley

Lifelong Learning

Ordained ministry is part of and enables the ministry of the whole people of God. Clergy CME is part of an integrated Diocesan strategy of “Learning for Life in Christ”. This is a lifelong process and those who hold the Bishop’s licence have a particular responsibility to equip and re-equip themselves for ministry by appropriate education and training. The Diocese supports them in a number of ways through the clergy CME budget and programmes of the Board for Ministry and Training

The First Four Years

The first four years are part of Initial Ministerial Education. They are normally served in a training post with supervision from a training incumbent. Induction and annual consultations are provided for those who have this responsibility. Expectations, guidelines and practical resources are set out in the diocesan Curacy Handbook.

Clergy in their first three years are required to participate in the planned post ordination training programme and incumbents must enable them to do so. It is organised by the CME 1-4 Officer in consultation with the curates concerned and their incumbents. It normally involves attendance at 2 residential training weekends each year, usually held at Rydal Hall; attendance at a minimum of 4 one-day (or equivalent 8 x 2 hour) training sessions each year; Participation in Reading Groups; The possibility of a school placement and observed collective worship and Individual training or project work agreed with the CME 1-4 Officer.

There will be at least an annual day conference for those in their fourth year

Non-Stipendiary Ministers must attend CME 1-4 training and agree with the CME 1-4 Officer a satisfactory pattern of attendance, taking into account the circumstances of the individual’s secular employment.

Those in their first three years do not receive an individual CME allowance. But where the CME 1-4 Officer considers it appropriate individual courses may sometimes be funded from the CME 1-4 account.

Transitions

Consultations and training are provided (and in some cases are a requirement) for those at various points of transition or new responsibility in ministry. Currently these may include: Introduction to the Diocese, First Incumbency, Change of Responsibility, Training Incumbency, Team Rector, Mid Ministry, Rural Dean, Mid-life, Pre-Retirement.

Ministry Review

The Diocesan Ministry Review Scheme enables each minister to review his/her ministry regularly in confidence with an agreed consultant, to identify development and training needs and make practical plans to meet them. Every licensed priest and stipendiary lay worker is expected to participate. The new scheme involves an annual consultant review and an interview with one of the Bishops every third year. The scheme sits alongside the separate diocesan provision for appraisal of ministry

Personal CME Grants.

Part of the training Budget is allocated in the form of individual grants. After the first three years, everyone who holds the Bishop’s Licence - stipendiary or non-stipendiary - is credited with a CME allowance (currently £110 p.a) in each calendar year, for ministerial education or training. Application should be made to the CME Officer whose approval should be sought before committing expenditure.

Unclaimed annual allowances may be accumulated for up to three years. If unspent at the end of three years the allowance is lost. With the agreement of the Adviser up to 25%) of the grant may be used for books as part of a course or planned study programme.

Training Opportunities

The diocesan Clergy Leadership Courses are a particular diocesan priority which clergy will be invited to attend. They aim to develop the awareness and skills of a collaborative ‘servant leader’ ministry. Notices or invitations to other events will sometimes be sent to individuals or ‘target’ groups. The initiative for undertaking most training however rests with the individual, and the CME Officer is available to discuss personal training needs or plans. There is a wide range of opportunities. Forthcoming events will be advertised every few months in the clergy mailing. Other opportunities may be found from the Internet. The CME Officer is available for help and guidance of what may be available.

Diocesan Conferences & Clergy Days

Every year the Diocesan Bishop invites all serving clergy to one or more days on a current aspect of our ministry. Every few years a Diocesan Conference may be held, for clergy only or with lay representation, which all serving clergy are expected to attend

Deanery Training Events

Some Deanery chapters organise an annual residential training event. The budget for these is the responsibility of the Deanery concerned but those attending may draw on their personal CME allowances.

Sabbaticals

Clergy who have served at least eight years in orders and three in their current post may be eligible for Sabbatical leave that is a period for renewal and refreshment in ministry, normally 2-3 months. Some funding is available and planning should usually begin 1 to 2 years in advance. Further details are available from the CME Adviser.

Continuing Support and Development in Ministry

In addition to diocesan requirements and programmes each of us needs to develop his/her own systems for personal survival and growth in ministry. As well as disciplines of regular prayer and study, we can benefit from the ministry of others as work consultants, mentors, soul friends or spiritual directors, or from membership of cell groups or other support networks. The CME Officer can help with the setting up of such relationships, if requested.

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