clergy training
If elected, I would want to speak and vote for: encouraging church growth through parish evangelism and mission; growth in lay discipleship including an emphasis on stewardship; sustainable support for parish ministry including simplification of governance and safeguarding and practical help with HR and policies and procedures; good theological formation for clergy and lay ministers; and would pay keen attention to matters of morale, retention and ongoing clergy training.
To facilitate this, the church must significantly invest in clergy and clergy training.
I would like to see more allocated to help fund stipendiary ministry — especially in low-income communities — to support parish ministry, more invested in clergy training and wellbeing, but I continue to see a role for strategic investment in new mission initiatives.
This has a pro- found effect on clergy training, wellbeing and LLM roles, and I want to engage with the issues that will be brought to debate, to develop sound strategies for change.
Support for proper clergy training The number of ordinations has declined, and access to residential courses and a full programme of deep theological training for clergy has become rarer.
- A concern for better clergy training and welfare
I’ve been a trustee of the Church Pastoral Aid Society (which runs summer holidays for teenagers, and does clergy training and patronage work).
Should I be elected to serve on General Synod I would prioritise parish ministry, clergy training and formation, and the ongoing welfare and support of clergy.
I would like to prioritise parish ministry, clergy training and formation, and their ongoing welfare because if we get these things right we can look to future with confidence in Christ knowing that we have done the best by our inheritance.
twice moving house as my mum undertook clergy training, and committing to my faith when I was confirmed at age 11.
Clergy training and well-being: I am committed to clergy training and well-being, so that clergy are supported, valued and able to thrive in their ministry.
I have served as a Bishop’s Advisor for National Discernment Panels, assistant DDO, chair of the Mission Apprentice scheme, a member of the Malawian Task Group (including leading clergy training in Lake Diocese in Malawi), and as a leadership specialist with CPAS.
The parish is the best means of evangelism and is at the heart of the Church of England, but currently its sustainability is in question. ‘Expensive’ clergy training is also at risk of being diluted.
This includes ensuring that vocations and clergy training are prioritised, but it also means supporting congregations in caring for historic buildings, enabling responsive initiatives in the community, and respecting local knowledge and the distinctiveness of each parish church.