Continuing Ministerial Development

A member of clergy laughs as she speaks to the Bishop of Dorchester and another clergywoman.

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. The members of the CMD team are available to discuss CMD needs with individual clergy and LLMs when contacted. Included in the diocesan provision for CMD are:

A programme of events hosted by the diocese;
A resource library of past CMD events hosted by the diocese;
Signposting to events and learning opportunities offered by trusted partner organisations;
Information about taking an annual retreat;
Funding (£250 per annum) offered by the diocese and links to other grant making bodies which support CMD;
Learning opportunities in times of transition (see below)

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

Taking up a new role 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.

Mid-ministry

The Regional Training Partnership also runs the Renaissance Ministry programme for those who have been in ordained ministry for some years and are beginning to think about the next steps. These consultations take place at Sarum College in Salisbury. If you are interested you should contact your archdeacon in the first instance. The cost is covered by a combination of the Bayne Benefaction and your CMD grant. Please speak to your Parish Development Adviser if you would be interested in the Renaissance 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 and well-being, this focuses on the shape of our continuing discipleship in retirement.

Upcoming events

The Revd Charles Chadwick

Parish Development Adviser (Dorchester)

01865 208 246

Rhodri Bowen

Parish Development Adviser (Berkshire & Oxford)

07741 736 480

The Revd Gill Lovell

Parish Development Adviser (Buckingham)

07391 416 089

Continuing Ministerial Development

The Revd Charles Chadwick

Parish Development Adviser (Dorchester)

Rhodri Bowen

Parish Development Adviser (Berkshire & Oxford)

The Revd Gill Lovell

Parish Development Adviser (Buckingham)

Navita Singh

Administrator in the Department of Mission & Ministry

In this section...

Ministry Accompaniment

CMD events

Grants

Retreats

Sabbaticals & Study Leave

New incumbents

Leadership