1. We are working on parish development
Showing ways in which we read our local context (church and community) and discern developmental needs, and how we relate these to our parish vision and purpose, taking plans forward.
2. We are engaging in mission
Demonstrating the ways in which we engage in mission in response to identified needs in our particular context, and showing awareness of the theology which undergirds our approach.
3. We are encouraging the ministry of all the baptized
Describing the range of ways in which we equip people for ministry
4. We are encouraging collaborative, servant leadership
Identifying the ways in which the Ministry Team (Servant Leader Team) and other teams within the Parish/Benefice) collaborate effectively
What is expected from OLM parishes/benefices
Towards the end of the OLM ordinand’s training, the parish/benefice needs to give a description of and reflection on the developments that have occurred in the parish/benefice during the OLM ordinand’s training and present this for assessment to the Principal, in the form of a portfolio covering the above areas.
Further details:
1. We are working on parish/benefice/deanery development
a. A congregational audit will need to be produced (unless already done), to show the context of ministry in your church(es)[1] , and identifying strengths and weaknesses
b. Describe your strategy and demonstrate development in all or some of the following areas of ministry: prayer & worship, pastoral care, discipleship development for all ages.
c. Describe at least one approach to group dynamics and show how it informs the behaviour of groups / teams in your church(es).
d. Describe one challenge in parish/benefice development and how you have overcome it.[2]
2. We are engaging in mission
a. A description of the parish/benefice’s mission strategy, and of the ways in which the parish/benefice currently engages in mission (including supporting the mission of its members when dispersed).
b. A community audit will need to be produced (unless already done) to show the social context[3] of your local area, identifying any areas of need in the community, and noting new mission initiatives undertaken or planned as a result of doing the exercise and mapping the audit back to the gifts/resources of your church(es).
3. We are encouraging the ministry of all the baptized
a. Describe ways in which people are helped to discover and exercise their gifts
b. Describe ways in which people are resourced to develop their gifts. E.g. show how people (other than the ordinand) have developed their gifts by participating in training opportunities offered (either within the deanery, parish/benefice, or other, e.g. on the diocesan Rolling Programme).
4. We are encouraging collaborative, servant leadership
a. Demonstrate that leaders are being identified and used to take forward specific strategies.
b. Show how the work of the ministry team relates to the vision of the parish and to its development.
c. Produce an annual review to show:
- how the ministry team has contributed to the development of collaborative ministry (shared ministry)in the parish/benefice
- reflection on the contribution of the OLM ordinand/deacon to collaborative ministry (shared ministry)in the parish/benefice.
[1] Things to look at might include some or all of the following: the people (members, staff, leaders, adherents, where people live, age profiles, identifying gifts/talents/skills/ministries etc.; history of the church(es), e.g. in terms of buildings, tradition, ethos, incidents etc.; the organisational structures, decision making processes; worship, e.g. types and times of services, attendances etc.; buildings and their use; financial position; church activities and groupings; relationship of church and community; ecumenical involvement; etc.. See pamphlet Doing a Congregational Audit
[2] One example might be a time when the ministry team handled a conflict situation creatively in the church/parish/benefice.
[3] Could include any or all of the following: history, geographical points of relevance, demographics, population trends etc. See pamphlet Doing a Community Audit.
