These are ten things clergy can expect when undertaking CMD:
- All clergy and lay ministers are expected to undertake CMD annually. Note that stipendiary clergy are expected to undertake five days CMD each year, in addition to an annual retreat or equivalent. Other clergy are expected to undertake CMD pro rata.
Under the Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations, all those holding office under Common Tenure are under a duty to participate in Ministerial Development Review and Continuing Ministerial Development. ALL clergy are bound by their ordination vow to continue their development as disciples and ministers. The Archbishops’ Council recommends that full time clergy allocate at least five days for CMD and ‘the best part of a week for retreat’ each year. In 2010 it was recommended by this diocese that other clergy – SSM, MSE – follow suit on a pro rata basis. Lay ministers are expected to undertake one piece of CMD each year.
- Ministers, under God, have responsibility for discerning their own vocational needs but these should be considered in relation to their role descriptions, local priorities and diocesan priorities.
- MDR and other reviews will generate CMD objectives. Minister and Diocese together carry responsibility for addressing these. The minister takes personal responsibility for driving this process. The Diocese is responsible as a support and provider, and in oversight.
- ALL Ministers are to keep a record of their CMD, to consider in Ministerial Development Review [MDR] and other reviews.
- The Diocese places specific emphasis on key periods of transition in ministry - first incumbency, mid-ministry, pre-retirement – and will provide CMD for each of these transitions. First incumbents are expected to participate in the diocesan first incumbency programme, including mentoring.
- Basic Clergy Development Grants. These are available to help licensed clergy undertake a specific course, event, retreat or development project. There is a form for this and a presumption that an application would be successful. The basic grant is set at £175 per year. It is not possible to carry funds forward from year to year. Curates are eligible for Basic Grants subject to the clear written support of their Training Incumbent and the Director of IME 4-7.
- For particular pieces of CMD which are more costly, application can be made to the CMD Special Grants Panel on the form for this purpose, application through the MDA. Please download the Special Grant Application Form, and the CMD Special Grants Advice for Clergy for guidance, and then contact the MDA for conversation prior to formal submission.
- Further Degrees. Clergy are encouraged to consider whether at some stage during their ordained ministry an accredited course of study might be appropriate. Clergy who enrol for further degrees may apply for a bursary to support their studies which will be considered by the Special Grants Panel. For curates, it is imperative to seek the advice and support of the Director of IME 4-7 and the Bishop of Jarrow at an early stage in exploring this possibility.
- As part of the CMD provision the diocese offers a limited number of sabbaticals for licensed clergy each year (the number is currently set at five). Sabbaticals are recommended through the MDR process. This recommendation will come to the MDA, but as soon as the MDR outcomes are agreed, do please make contact. If you are interested in discussing a sabbatical as part of your MDR please read the Sabbatical Handbook Final approval for a sabbatical is given by the Bishop of Durham.
- Through this CMD web page and mailing, clergy and lay ministers will be alerted to upcoming CMD events in the Diocese and those offered by other providers. The MDA is always ready for conversation about CMD matters.