News from the Ministry Division

"Shaping the Future" (2006) gave guidance to the regions on implementing the vision of "Formation for ministry within a learning church" (2003).
"Drawn Together" is an example of how this can be done. It is not a blueprint for other regions but is offered as an encouragement and an example of good practice.

This publication can be purchased directly from Ministry Division. For more details, please click on this link.

The Hind report recommended that initial training for clergy should extended into the early years of ministry, hence the shorthand 'IME 1-7'.  In addition the proposed terms of service legislation will place a new responsibility on the Church to demonstrate that clergy have been properly trained and are rightly deemed to be capable before they move from a time-limited training post into a permanent office under Common Tenure.  This will necessitate a strengthening of our current training provision and a way of assessing that curates have successfully completed their formation and training and are now capable of taking up a post of responsibility.  The guidelines published here seek to help with this process.  A number of dioceses have offered to trial these processes with their curates, which will be very helpful.  If you would also like to do this, please contact David Way at the Ministry Division.

Click here to read the Draft Assessment of the end of curacy report

Click here to read Appendix 6 of the Draft Assessment of the end of the curacy report

For many years the Church of England, with its ecumenical partners, has inspected and moderated the training offered by training institutions to those preparing for public ministry.  This report takes a reviews our systems as a whole (for ordained ministry and Readers/Preachers) and makes proposals for an audit system which will be suitable for regional training partnerships.  The report is at the draft stage and comments are welcome on it - details of how to respond (by 1 September 2007) are included at the beginning of the report.

Click here to access the latest report on "Accountability, Quality and Enhancement"

Research in training institutions and RTPs

Research in theology and into changing patterns of mission and ministry is vital for the life of the Church.  This report, drawn up by an ecumenical task group chaired by Bishop John Saxbee, reviews the current situation in our training insitutions, explores the types of research that are required and makes recommendations for the future.

Click here to access the latest report on "Research in training institutions and Regional Training Partnerships"

The Ministry Division is continuing work on the Choice of Pathways for ordination candidates in training.  The draft paper, accessible by clicking on the link below, was discussed and welcomed in outline by the House of Bishops in January 2007. The Ministry Division will now be developing the paper further in co-operation with DDOs.  When finalized, the paper will be represented to the House of Bishops for approval.  The aim is to use the new approach for candidates who will enter training from September 2008, though this will be confirmed in due course in the DDO mailing.

Click here to read the Hind Choice of Pathways Group's Draft Paper: "A new approach to Bishops’ Regulations for Training for Ordinands"