Lifelong Learning

Ordained ministry is part of, and enables, the ministry of the whole people of God. Clergy CMD is part of the Diocesan strategy for Ministry in line with God For All. CMD is a lifelong process and those who hold the Bishop’s licence have a particular responsibility to equip and re-equip themselves for ministry by appropriate education and training. The Diocese supports them in a number of ways through the clergy CMD budget and programmes provided by the Mission and Ministry, Support and Innovation team. As well as the core disciplines of regular prayer and study, clergy can benefit from the ministry of others as work consultants, mentors, soul friends or spiritual directors, or from membership of cell groups or other support networks. The CMD advisor can help with the setting up of such relationships, if requested.

Retreats

It is expected that clergy will take at least an annual retreat. The form and pattern of the retreat will vary but during a year full-time clergy should set aside the best part of a week for this activity. This will not be considered as leave. In accordance with the Parochial Expenses of the Clergy 2006 guide, PCCs should be prepared to meet the cost of any bona fide fees and expenses. The Bishop’s Spirituality Advisor will be glad to advise on possible venues or formats for retreats.

Continuing Ministerial Development Grant information

There are two types of grant available to clergy, the annual CMD grant and a limited number of grants offering additional support for projects requiring more funding. Details of both are set out below.

1.The annual CMD grant

The Continuing Ministerial Development grant is made available to all licensed clergy (stipendiary and self-supporting), Readers and NYC Ministers on an annual basis to support their ongoing learning, development and enrichment in ministry. It is expected that the grant will be used to support and nourish their ministry, possibly following conversation in the context of the MDR (Ministry Development Review).

Grants can be used towards the costs of retreats, learning, study, training, coaching, pastoral supervision, spiritual direction and other development support agreed with the Director of Ministry Development. It is expected that travel costs involved in any event for which the grant is used will be paid by the parishes as an indication of their support for the continued development of their minister, unless there are significant financial challenges for the parish which mean these costs cannot realistically be met. In these exceptional circumstances, approval for a grant application which contains travel costs will need to be gained from both the Archdeacon and Director of Ministry Development.

For clergy, all applicants need to have completed the IME2 phase of their training.

Readers are eligible to claim the CMD grant from the time of their licensing.

Amount

Clergy: As of end 2024 the grant is £220 per annum with an inflationary increase to £250 in 2025. The grant can accumulate over two years but if not spent will return to the annual amount in the third year.

Readers: The grant is £110 per annum with an inflationary increase to £115 in 2025. The grant can accumulate over two years but if not spent will return to the annual amount in the third year.

How to apply

We suggest that you get in touch with Director of Ministry Development initially to ensure the intended use of your CMD grant meets the eligibility criteria. There is a simple form to fill in (available on the diocesan website or from Steve Minto, Ministry Development Administrator). Please send your completed form to Steve at steve.minto@carlislediocese.org.uk and make sure that you include the relevant receipts with your claim form.

CMD Claim Form

This will go directly to the Director of Ministry Development. The final decision about granting the request lies with the Director of Ministry Development in consultation with the archdeacon.

2.Further ministerial development support

It is recognised that sometimes it will be beneficial for clergy to undertake a project that requires more financial assistance than the CMD grant offers. This might be for academic study or other vocational development which benefits the individual leader in their support of the mission of the local church, Mission Community or diocesan strategic priorities. For this reason, a limited number of grants will be available each year, ranging from £500-£1,500 per grant.

Allocation of the grants will be decided by a meeting of the Director of Ministry Development and Archdeacons who will meet as required. Requests for this grant can be made directly to the Director of Ministry Development. We recognise that this is a new initiative requiring an informal chat with the Director of Ministry Development in order to decide whether this opportunity is right for you; they will also explain the application process to you.

Diocesan clergy: residential opportunities

Each year there is a 24 hour residential hosted by the Bishop which offers an informal opportunity for conversation and reflection on ministry, it’s blessings and challenges. Clergy are invited on a three year rolling basis.

Sabbaticals

The Diocese of Carlisle seeks to affirm and care for its ministers. It is recognised that a period of study leave, away from the normal responsibilities of parish ministry can be beneficial for continued ministerial development and wellbeing. The Diocesan scheme for sabbatical leave recognises that for those who have been in ministry for some time, a significant period of time spent away from their post and its immediate demands can be a source of enrichment. Sabbaticals are of great benefit to the individual offering the space for reflection, opportunities for new experiences and, the time to consider new perspectives and fresh vision.

After seven years of ministry post curacy, and thereafter every seven years, clergy in the Diocese of Carlisle may apply for sabbatical leave. The duration of the sabbatical is normally around 3 months. Each sabbatical will be unique to the individual, however, there is an expectation that the structure of the study leave will be based around a specific theological or ministerial interest. For further information, and guidelines of how to apply, please click on the link below.