Continuing Ministerial Education

Key contacts
* Training Officer CME
* Director of Ministry Training

All clergy have a regular Ministerial Development Review and this includes looking at what Continuing Ministerial Education/Development might be needed or beneficial. The CME Officer helps process these and puts ministers in touch with where training might be accessed.

The diocese puts on regular programmes for ministers at different stages of ministry: 

  • for first incumbents
  • supervision skills for those who supervise students in training
  • for those changing post
  • for those in team ministries, especially Team Rectors
  • for those approaching retirement.


Each year the bishop invites all ministers to Diocesan Formation Days, run over a Sunday and a Monday and/or Archdeaconry Formation Days. All stipendiary clergy are expected to attend these.

The diocese runs a major conference for all clergy every three years. Recent speakers have included Bishop Gordon Mursell and Archbishop Robin Eames (Spirituality and Engagement, 2007) and Professor Walter Brueggemann (2003). The next clergy conference will be 5-7 July 2010. 

Click here for Training and Formation days.

Training at different stages of ministry

First Incumbents

There is an annual programme for those beginning their first post as a Priest-in-Charge, Team Vicar or Vicar. The programme begins in January of each year.

Changing Posts and Induction

After the initial curacy, the diocese offers regular programmes for those changing post, whether taking on a different post in the diocese or moving within it. This involves a day at Church House and a residential providing space for reflection. For those who are becoming Vicar or Priest-in-Charge for the first time there is a further course over the year providing resources and support for the new challenges and tasks.

When you move post either into or within the diocese you will automatically be invited onto one of these courses.

Mid-career

Some ministers benefit from a mid-career space for reflection and forward looking. We are hoping to establish a regular annual event for ministers at this stage of life.

Pre-retirement

In conjunction with neighbouring dioceses we encourage ministers as they approach retirement to consider doing a Pre-retirement Course, currently run in Blackburn, to provide advice and experience both on leaving a parish and full-time stipendiary ministry and on entering 'retirement'. The course includes practical help on matters of finance, pension and housing.

Ministry Review

In looking towards the implementation of clergy Terms and Conditions of Service, the diocese is reviewing its Ministerial Review Scheme.

Sabbaticals