Support for all clergy in their continuing education and formation.

The fundamental purpose of Continuing Ministerial Education is to equip and develop the Church’s ministers in order that they may stimulate and enable the whole Church to participate more fully in the mission of God in the world.

(Mind the Gap: Integrated Continuing Ministerial Education for the Church’s Ministers. Archbishops’ Council 2001)

Ongoing learning

The Diocese of Wakefield places high importance on all clergy continually reflecting and learning throughout their ministry, and recognises that CME is one of the places in which theological reflection may be structurally encouraged, and where that reflection can lead to new shared insights and practice.

A key task of the clergy CME Officer, in partnership with other training officers, is to offer stimuli and opportunities to the clergy, both corporately and individually, so that they may continue their professional formation and enhance their competence. Wherever possible CME is organised collaboratively, integrating the education and training of both lay and ordained. CME opportunities are advertised in the “Taste and Savour” leaflet in each month’s Diocesan Clergy Mailing. See below to download the latest issue.

The Diocese recognises that CME is a shared responsibility, and all clergy are encouraged to plan their own continuing ministerial education and formation, in consultation with the CME Officer or other consultants. Specific learning needs for the year ahead may sometimes be identified at the annual Pastoral Visit by a member of Bishop’s Staff, in which case that learning need will be reported to the CME Officer.

CME grants

CME grants are provided for all clergy in the Diocese, up to retirement age. The level of grant in 2007 is £210 (1% of an incumbent’s stipend). Individual CME grants may accumulate only to a maximum of three years.

These grants may be used for attendance at courses, using the “CME grant request” form (editable doc 21kb). When grants are made, a personal “reflection on learning” report-sheet will be issued. Failure to return this may mean further grants are delayed.

Travelling expenses for a course may be claimed, but must not exceed the cost of the course being attended.

The grant may be used to buy books when they are an essential requirement of participation in a course.

Other books of a theological or theology of ministry nature may be purchased using the grant, after discussion with the CME Officer.

CME grants should not be used to fund an annual Retreat. Separate grants are made for Retreats, using the “Retreat grant request” form (editable doc 21kb). Current provision is an allowance of up to £30 per day, for a maximum of seven days.

Clergy Conference

Once every three years there is a Residential Conference for all clergy in the Diocese, up to retirement age. The next conference will be held from 1 - 4 September 2009 at Swanwick in Derbyshire.

Bishop’s Days

In the years when there is no clergy conference, there are two Bishop’s Days for clergy, one in the spring and one in the autumn.

Sabbaticals

Sabbaticals of up to three months, not including holiday, are approved by Bishop’s Staff in consultation with the CME Officer. Currently the provision is £1000, plus accumulated CME grant. (Download sabbatical guidance notes here - pdf 60kb).

 

Contact

The CME Officer is Revd Stephen Kelly, The Vicarage, Church Street, Woolley, Wakefield WF4 2JU – 01226 382550 - cme@wakefield.anglican.org.

 

Downloads and courses

Taste and Savour - May 2008

 

European Digest 2 - February 2008


CME - clergy in-service training grant request (editable doc 21kb)
CME - clergy in-service training grant request (pdf 62kb)
CME - clergy retreat grant request (editable doc 21kb)
CME - clergy retreat grant request (pdf 61kb)
Clergy sabbaticals - guidance notes (pdf 78kb)

 

Continuing ministerial training for Readers

This programme covers a range of topics designed to assist Readers in their continuing ministry. Those undertaking or preparing for other Christian ministries are often welcome to join with Readers in these sessions. Contact - Tony Rolfe - 01484 531532.