Continuing Ministerial Development

'Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last for ever.’ 1 Cor 9:24

As disciples, we are lifelong learners. As such, the Diocese of Oxford supports the continuing ministerial development (CMD) of all its licenced clergy and LLMs (Readers). All full-time ministers are encouraged to set aside at least 5 days (pro-rata) for their personal ministerial development each year, as well as time for a Retreat. The CMD Team are happy to discuss specific development needs with Clergy, LLMs and other lay ministers.

All Clergy & LLM's receive a yearly CMD Grant of £250 which can be spent on ministerial development. To receive termly CMD updates and news, click here.

Included in the Diocesan provision for CMD are:

LEARNING EVENTS

A programme of Learning Events hosted by the diocese
Signposting to events and learning opportunities offered by trusted partner organisations
An online resource of past CMD events hosted by the diocese

MINISTRY ACCOMPANIMENT

Opportunities to access Coaching, Mentoring and Workplace Consultancy
Information on the Ministry Accompaniers Network
Some Ministry Accompaniment is available for free. Where there is a cost, CMD Grants can be used.

LEARNING COMMUNITIES

Join a Learning Community to share, pray and discuss best practice, meeting just 2 or 3 times a year
Reflect with peers on your context or a particular area of ministry (eg AI; Death & Dying; Pioneering & New Worshipping Communities, etc)
Ask us to find out which Learning Communities are currently available

All good ministry is fuelled by...

REST, RETREAT & RENEWAL

Information on taking a Retreat
How to access other available Funding for Retreats
Learning Events on maintaining good health & wellbeing in ministry

Click below for more information on the following areas:

New Incumbents

Soon after taking up a post of first responsibility, clergy will receive an invitation from their area bishop to attend a year-long Flourishing in your New Role (FNR) programme. of learning and development. The programme aims to provide a setting for learning and development alongside your peers from elsewhere in the diocese. It offers opportunities to reflect on your new context and how you will inhabit your new role. The programme is currently under review. Please contact your Parish Development Adviser for details.

Experienced Priests

Those taking up a new role and ministry context are offered the opportunity to attend a 48-hour residential New Posts Consultation run by the South Central Regional Training Partnership. During the consultation you will:

reflect in small peer groups on the key features of your new context
identify the challenges and opportunities
think about your plans for the future

Please speak to your Parish Development Adviser if you would be interested in attending a New Posts Consultation.

Area Deans

Area Deans who are new in post will be invited to join an initial training course run through the South Central Regional Training Partnership. The diocese also offers a rolling programme of learning and development for all Area Deans and Associate Area Deans. Topics covered within the programme are: coaching and mentoring, conflict resolution, guidance in approaching pastoral reorganisation and in allocating the deanery share.

Pre-retirement

From the age of 62, clergy and their spouses are invited to a pre-retirement residential. As well as the practical issues of housing, pensions and health & wellbeing, the learning event focuses on the shape of our continuing discipleship in retirement.

Upcoming events

The CMD Team

The Revd Dr Andy Angel

Director of Formation for Ministry

Revd Pete Wheeler

CMD Adviser

Navita Pereira

Directors, CMD Team and Academic Administrator

01865 208 277

In this section...

Ministry Accompaniment
Information about the diocese' network of ministry accompaniers.

CMD events
Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD) events in the diocese.

Grants
Information about grants for Continuing Ministerial Development.

Retreats
Contact details and funding information for retreat centres within and outside of the diocese.

Sabbaticals & Study Leave
Information about sabbaticals and study leave for licensed clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers.

New Incumbents
Guidance for new Incumbents with a Post Of First Responsibilty and details of the induction programme.

Leadership
Resources on leadership.

Page last updated: Tuesday 13th October 2026 9:51 AM