Developing Ministry

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Developing Ministry

Leading in a Changing Church

A project-based course for clergy and ministers of the West Midlands who want to develop their leadership in changing situations.

This is a course which has been running each year since 2003 in the West Midlands. Over 250 clergy from Birmingham, Coventry, Worcester, Gloucester, Hereford and Lichfield dioceses have taken part.

The course does not offer a ‘one size fits all’ model of leadership. Instead it invites participants to reflect on their current exercise of leadership, and to consider how that might appropriately be developed and adapted for their own context. This is done through a mixture of high-quality input of ideas and membership of a small group which works together for a year. As an early exercise participants are asked to take part in a confidential questionnaire, gaining valuable anonymous feedback on how their ministerial leadership is perceived.

The input includes sustained opportunities for biblical study, alongside insights from both church and secular contexts. Time for keeping a journal and to relax is an important part of the residential conferences and a regular pattern of worship also plays a key part. 

The course is hosted by the Revd Canon Dr Jonathan Kimber of Worcester Diocese and the Rev'd Rob Harrison of Coventry Diocese, with additional input from specialist external speakers.

Who is it for?

This course is open to clergy and lay ministers in a post of primary responsibility. It is designed with those relatively new to enhanced responsibilities principally in mind. It is especially suitable for those who are in primary responsibility roles for the first time, and who have been in post for about eighteen months. It can also work well for those who have recently become team rectors, or been given responsibility for a multi-parish benefice. Sector ministers have also participated in the course and found it very helpful.  

Outcomes:

By the end of this course, we hope you...

...will have received:

  • some genuine feedback from others on how you are doing
  • some high quality, thought-provoking input on the theology and practice of leadership

…will have gained:

  • greater awareness of how you lead, and how you might do it differently
  • fresh confidence in your vocation and God’s call to you as a minister

Upcoming dates:

This course runs annually.
The next cohort will be in early 2023 with a short introductory session in November 2022; 

Introductory session: 24th November 2022 10.30am - 12pm this will be online.

Residential 1: 7th - 9th February 2023

Residential 2: 14th - 15th June 2023

Residential 3: 7th - 9th November 2023

Venue:

Stratford Manor Hotel, Warwick Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 0PY

Cost:

This course costs around £1,400 per person. Your contribution would be travel only. The rest of the cost will be borne by your diocese.

What do I do now?

If you wish to find out more about this course, please contact your diocesan CMD officer or administrator who will send you further details. You can find their details under the Contact tab.