Ministry Development Review (MDR)
Ministerial Review is a sign of the Bishop’s concern for the affirmation and encouragement of ministers. It is an annual consultation with a colleague lay or ordained, which provides a space outside the normal pattern of ministry to reflect on that ministry, in order to provide support and encouragement for your personal growth and development.
If you have any enquiry relating to the Ministerial Review Scheme please contact Neville Emslie (01227 459401).
Study leave
If you are contemplating a sabbatical or extended Study Leave (SL), please contact Neville Emslie in the first instance for an initial conversation, which will cover issues such as;
- When a sabbatical can be taken and length of SL
- Focus of sabbatical - can you summarise in one sentence the purpose of your intended SL?
- How may it contribute to your ministry development? And to the ministry and mission of your ministry context?
- Location: home or away, conferences and seminars
- Re-creation, research, reading and resources
- Parish or ministry cover
- Supervision
- Funding: expenses and budget
- Pre-reading and preparation
Following this discussion, a draft proposal will be drawn up by the minister and discussed further with the ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½Ò•îl of Mission and Ministry. It is then sent to the bishop for approval. Once approved the ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½Ò•îl of Mission and Ministry will help allocate funds and provide initial supervision.
Expenses
Expenses can be claimed for the reimbursement of accommodation and travel expenses for courses outside the Diocese. Travel expenses may be claimed for second class rail or mileage rates (45p per mile). Expenses for events within the Diocese will not be refunded. should be returned to Marianne Hambrook,
Where the money comes from
The Diocese annually budgets an equivalent of 1% of stipend for all licensed clergy to be made available for continuing ministerial development. This training fund is used to pay for individual CMD applications and Diocesan events; it is an investment in supporting clergy in key transitions in their ministry. The focus is upon equipping and enabling ministry with a view to the needs of the local church, deanery and Diocese. It is therefore strongly encouraged that applications for funding are made in advance and in consultation with others – most appropriately in the context of Ministerial Development Review. With funding comes a responsibility for continuing learning and taking your new skills and insights to teach and train others. The Diocese is committed to the national guidelines on Continuing Ministerial Development and the Terms and Conditions of Service. The Diocese has moved away from the administration of individual financial accounts and is now concerned with providing resources at the point of need for clergy to equip them for the challenges of ministry.
What parishes might reasonably pay
It is good practice for PCCs to contribute to costs which will always be expected to be part of ministry such as retreats, spiritual direction and regular quiet days. In addition, it is expected that parishes will pay for travel to events within the Diocese. It is good practice for parishes to provide a book allowance per annum. This is best itemised and paid directly by the parish treasurer.