(Image: Positive questions = positive change)
Taking seriously the flourishing of the whole person in their context
We aim to create an environment in which developmental learning is recognized as a hallmark of professional good practice as well as a central aspect of discipleship. It is also a means by which we exercise grateful stewardship of the talents which God has entrusted to us, both as individuals and as the Church.
Learning and development is interpreted in broad terms: effective CMD may take the form of retreats, mentoring or accessing work consultancy or coaching (for example through our network of Ministry Accompaniers) as well as training courses, theological programmes or conferences.
Advice and assistance in helping clergy and licensed lay ministers to access other forms of training, development, study and support which may be appropriate for them is always available from the CMD team, and we are also ready and willing to discuss access to vocational advice, spiritual direction and any needs arising from your Ministry Development Review.
Diocesan CMD grant
Most clergy and LLMs are eligible for a CMD grant each year up to the value of £250. If you would like to apply for a CMD grant, please read the CMD grants information sheet, then complete the CMD grant application form and email it to cmdgrants@oxford.anglican.org. Applications are considered every four to six weeks.
Looking to fund a retreat? Please read the retreats information sheet and use the retreat application form instead. Thank you.
Women priests and deacons
The Women’s Continuing Ministerial Education Trust (WCMET) exists to further the continuing ministerial education of women in the Church of England and Scottish Episcopal Church. It focuses attention on courses or projects that clearly relate to professional development.
Low-income grants
Depending on your income, you may be eligible for a grant from the Clergy Support Trust.
Working with young people
Culham St Gabriel’s makes grants for excellence in Religious Education.
Funding a sabbatical
The sabbatical application process, linked from this page, includes an opportunity to apply for a diocesan grant of up to £500.
St George’s Trust gives grants of up to £350 for clergy sabbaticals.
Ecclesiastical Ministry Bursary Awards offer funding for sabbaticals.
For visits to the USA, it is worth investigating the American Memorial Chapel Travel Grant.
A grant from the Bayne Benefaction may also be appropriate when funding a sabbatical - see below.
Hoping to complete a course of study with a recognised UK educational institution?
The Bayne Benefaction, administered through Christ Church, exists to help clergy within the Diocese of Oxford with grants of up to 50% of the costs of study and some training.
Applications are considered at a trustee meeting twice per year in March and September.
Other grants
St Boniface Trust makes small grants to enable clergy study.
The Ewelme Almshouse Charity provides almshouse accommodation for elderly persons who are in financial need in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. They also provide grants for educational purposes to young people who are in need of financial assistance.
The Henry Smith Charity provides grants to assist parochial clergy in financial need at a time of crisis or acute need, where this could be detrimental to their ministry. The need may arise from family circumstances (e.g. a family with children and only one income), unusual or emergency expenditure which strains family finances (e.g. illness, disability, expensive car repairs) or simply the need for a family holiday after a period of stress and exhaustion whether through personal issues or the challenge of ministering in difficult parishes. Grants are administered via each Area Bishop’s office. Please contact your Area Bishop or Archdeacon if you wish to be considered for a Henry Smith Charity grant.