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 God for All 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.

Individual Training Opportunities

Notices or invitations to training events will sometimes be sent to individuals or ‘target’ groups. The initiative for undertaking most training however rests with the individual, and personal training needs can be discussed with the CMD advisor. There is a wide range of opportunities. A digest of some forthcoming events is published regularly in the Diocesan E-news bulletin, and in the  Calendar section of this website.

Personal CME Grants

After curacy, everyone who holds the Bishop’s Licence as an ordained minister – stipendiary or self-supporting – is credited with a CMD allowance (currently £110 p.a) in each calendar year, for ministerial education or training. Application should be made to the Bishop’s Chaplain whose approval should be sought before committing expenditure.

Unclaimed annual allowances may be accumulated for up to three years. If unspent at the end of three years the allowance is lost. With the agreement of the CMD advisor up to 25% of the grant may be used for books as part of a course or planned study programme. Grants are not normally used for validated study, but can be used to fund non-validated participation in modules (including those offered by the IME team of Cumbria Christian Learning).

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.

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.

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.

Health Assured – Employee Assistance Program

The health and wellbeing of our clergy is paramount and although clergy are not employees, clergy can access our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), delivered by Health Assured. An EAP is a confidential benefit designed to help people deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home life or ministry, health, and general wellbeing. This service is also open to spouse/partners and children aged 16-24 in full time education, living in the same household. 

• Click here to access the service via their website.

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Or you can download the ‘My Healthy Advantage’ app and enter employer code MHA193224