The clip above was posted on you tube on the afternoon of 15/1/15, along with a link to a discussion forum on the subject on the CofE website. At the same time the report itself was also posted along with a tumblr post on it which had the transcript for the you tube clip.
What follows is my summary of the report including its 17 proposals - 1st a simple listing and then a more detailed summary of the 17 proposals which also includes: What the report says about the Resourcing the Future Report; Context, Consultation & Research; Vision of the Task Group.
At the foot of this post are links to summaries of the other reports published this week and other CofE reports/events.
LIST OF 17 PROPOSALS
1) Review Selection Criteria, shorten time and review Reporting and Assessment Processes
2) All Candidates to have a Personal Learning Plan agreed with the Diocese
3) Special national funding for training to prepare gifted individuals for strategic roles
2) All Candidates to have a Personal Learning Plan agreed with the Diocese
3) Special national funding for training to prepare gifted individuals for strategic roles
4) September Ordinations only
5) Investment in candidates after ordination
6) A standard level of grant for tuition and training pathway decisions made in the Diocese
7) Maintenance grant pooling discontinued. Each Diocese covers sponsored candidates costs
8) Candidates over 50 selected locally by the bishop & diocese will pay for their training
9) At Selection transfer Candidates Sponsorship to diocese where ministers are needed
10) Increasing investment in IME 2 and CMD via a development fund
8) Candidates over 50 selected locally by the bishop & diocese will pay for their training
9) At Selection transfer Candidates Sponsorship to diocese where ministers are needed
10) Increasing investment in IME 2 and CMD via a development fund
11) Length of training posts benchmarked to 3 years as a norm
12) Candidates for Lay Ministry - apply additional national funding
13) Substantial proposals changes make considerable demands on TEIs and Diocese
12) Candidates for Lay Ministry - apply additional national funding
13) Substantial proposals changes make considerable demands on TEIs and Diocese
14) Substantial additional funding is needed for the proposals
15) Proposals mean a significant change in the role of the Ministry Division
16) Increase no. of candidates offering for all forms of ministry by 50% p.a. from present levels by 2020
15) Proposals mean a significant change in the role of the Ministry Division
16) Increase no. of candidates offering for all forms of ministry by 50% p.a. from present levels by 2020
17) Expansion of Ministerial Education scheme for under 30’s from 30 participants to 250
MORE DETAILED SUMMARY
What the report says about the Resourcing the Future Report (which presumably will be made available on Friday 16/1/15)
48% more volunteer lay ministers (of different kinds) and 69% more paid lay ministers
This is the aspiration for growth to over 17,500 volunteer and over 2,000 paid. (In the Resourcing the Future Report, lay ministry plays a very significant part in the vision for future ministry articulated by dioceses.mentioned under proposal 12 - para 45 page 6&7)
Context, Consultation & Research
- the 2014-15 budget for training ordinands is £13.5m + £5m for additional family maintenance costs. Dioceses and parishes provide a further £1.8m for the costs of context-based training. (para 1 page 1)
- the Report has been revised in the light of comments made at the House of Bishops and the Archbishops’ Council. Publication of the Report for General Synod marks the beginning of a period of consultation on its proposals not only with the Synod but with Dioceses, theological educators and Theological Education Institutions. (para 4 page 4)- the Task Group commissioned a major research programme to explore the outcomes of the several forms of ministerial education. The initial research results are available online for information and also for peer review. (para 26 page 4). There is clear evidence that particular forms of high quality provision during IME 2 and then in Continuing Ministerial Development make a demonstrable contribution to the numerical and spiritual growth of congregations. (para 30 page 4)
Vision of the Task Group - is of a growing church with a flourishing ministry - and they therefore hope to see:
- the Report has been revised in the light of comments made at the House of Bishops and the Archbishops’ Council. Publication of the Report for General Synod marks the beginning of a period of consultation on its proposals not only with the Synod but with Dioceses, theological educators and Theological Education Institutions. (para 4 page 4)- the Task Group commissioned a major research programme to explore the outcomes of the several forms of ministerial education. The initial research results are available online for information and also for peer review. (para 26 page 4). There is clear evidence that particular forms of high quality provision during IME 2 and then in Continuing Ministerial Development make a demonstrable contribution to the numerical and spiritual growth of congregations. (para 30 page 4)
Vision of the Task Group - is of a growing church with a flourishing ministry - and they therefore hope to see:
- every minister equipped to offer collaborative leadership in mission and to be adaptable in a rapidly changing context;
- a cohort of candidates for ministry who are younger, more diverse and with a wider range of gifts to serve God’s mission;
- an increase of at least 50% in ordinations on 2013 figures sustained annually from 2020;
- the rapid development of lay ministries;
- a continued commitment to an ordained and lay ministry which serves the whole Church both geographically and in terms of church tradition.
(para 8 page 2)
Proposals
Proposals
1) Review Selection Criteria, shorten time and review Reporting and Assessment Processes
In the light of current and future needs for ministry the criteria review is in order to ensure high standard outcomes. The processes review covers from selection through IME Phases 1 and 2. It is to support the development of candidates and to ensure consistency all through the formation process.(para 34 page 5). There is also an aim to streamline the vocations process so that, in the case of those candidates who need it, vocational exploration can be begun and concluded within a year. (para 22 page 4)
2) All Candidates to have a Personal Learning Plan agreed with the Diocese
This would covering the whole of IME to provide a flexible programme geared to individual need (the plan would be drafted as part of the selection papers and then reviewed at key points during IME). (Also as part of this proposal Bishops Regulations for training would be replaced with flexible, indicative norms (Bishops Guidelines) - para 35 page 5)
3) Special national funding for training to prepare gifted individuals for strategic roles
(e.g. in foundational theological work leading to teaching or research or as missional leaders committed to serve in poorer dioceses including those in context based training in poorer parishes). These would supplement the standard grant (see Proposal 6 below) and be administered nationally. (para 36 page 5)
4) September Ordinations only
In order to make the most of the investment in IME. (This will provide more time available for formation and study and adds to the educational and training value of the final year of training by as much as one third - para 37 page 5)
5) Investment in candidates after ordination
As well as before ordination, opening up the possibility of “Teach First” type schemes for ordination training and creating the option of accelerating the vocational process in the case of candidates suited to this. (para 38 page 5)
6) A standard level of grant for tuition and training pathway decisions made in the Diocese
In place of the current arrangements. Such decisions for individuals would also be made in consultation with the candidate. Each recommended candidate will attract a standard level of grant for tuition from a central fund to which all dioceses contribute in a similar way to the present arrangements. The grant may be used in a range of ways as the diocese sees fit, provided the training is from an approved provider. The diocese will decide whether resources additional to the standard grant need to be invested in the candidate’s future ministry, in each case according to need. No recommendation has been made at this stage about the level at which the standard grant should be set, though it is envisaged that it will be sufficient to enable a candidate to pursue an IME pathway leading to ordination - (para 39 page 5). It is also assumed that the recently established and well received Durham University validation framework and the Common Awards remain in place. (para 14 page 3)
As well as before ordination, opening up the possibility of “Teach First” type schemes for ordination training and creating the option of accelerating the vocational process in the case of candidates suited to this. (para 38 page 5)
6) A standard level of grant for tuition and training pathway decisions made in the Diocese
In place of the current arrangements. Such decisions for individuals would also be made in consultation with the candidate. Each recommended candidate will attract a standard level of grant for tuition from a central fund to which all dioceses contribute in a similar way to the present arrangements. The grant may be used in a range of ways as the diocese sees fit, provided the training is from an approved provider. The diocese will decide whether resources additional to the standard grant need to be invested in the candidate’s future ministry, in each case according to need. No recommendation has been made at this stage about the level at which the standard grant should be set, though it is envisaged that it will be sufficient to enable a candidate to pursue an IME pathway leading to ordination - (para 39 page 5). It is also assumed that the recently established and well received Durham University validation framework and the Common Awards remain in place. (para 14 page 3)
7) Maintenance grant pooling discontinued. Each Diocese covers sponsored candidates costs
To give the dioceses freedom to determine how much of their training budget should be invested directly in ministerial education and how much in the support of candidates families. (para 40 page 6)
8) Candidates over 50 selected locally by the bishop & diocese will pay for their training
Candidates who will be under 50 at ordination will continue to attend a BAP to ensure national commonality of standards. Candidates over the age of 50 at ordination will not receive the standard pooled grant. (para 41 page 6)
9) At Selection transfer Candidates Sponsorship to diocese where ministers are needed
And explore ways to facilitate this through financial and other means and - in particular - such sponsorship transfer to poorer dioceses.(para 42 page 6)
10) Increasing investment in IME 2 and CMD via a development fund
To sustain the effectiveness of IME 1 into the first appointment and beyond, the quality of IME Phase 2 and CMD provision need significant overall improvement. The Task group proposes a development fund providing a substantial sum per annum to which dioceses can apply for matched funding to provide leadership development in preparation for posts of first responsibility. Similar provision of a fund for training for ministers in subsequent posts of responsibility is also proposed in order to sustain the effectiveness of IME. Grants would be made to kite marked schemes which can demonstrate high quality outcomes. (para 43 page 6)
11) Length of training posts benchmarked to 3 years as a norm
Explore this as a norm rather than the 4 years as at present, (though it would be open to dioceses to chose a longer period or indeed a shorter one for an individual candidate). The length of curacy should be determined by the time the candidate needs to meet the Formation Criteria. On the basis of the RME research the Task Force believe this will not significantly reduce the effectiveness of IME Phase 2. (para 44 page 6)
12) Candidates for Lay Ministry - apply additional national funding
Do further work over the coming months to explore how dioceses envisage the development of lay ministry in more detail. The application of additional national funding is proposed to education for lay ministry in three streams:
To sustain the effectiveness of IME 1 into the first appointment and beyond, the quality of IME Phase 2 and CMD provision need significant overall improvement. The Task group proposes a development fund providing a substantial sum per annum to which dioceses can apply for matched funding to provide leadership development in preparation for posts of first responsibility. Similar provision of a fund for training for ministers in subsequent posts of responsibility is also proposed in order to sustain the effectiveness of IME. Grants would be made to kite marked schemes which can demonstrate high quality outcomes. (para 43 page 6)
11) Length of training posts benchmarked to 3 years as a norm
Explore this as a norm rather than the 4 years as at present, (though it would be open to dioceses to chose a longer period or indeed a shorter one for an individual candidate). The length of curacy should be determined by the time the candidate needs to meet the Formation Criteria. On the basis of the RME research the Task Force believe this will not significantly reduce the effectiveness of IME Phase 2. (para 44 page 6)
12) Candidates for Lay Ministry - apply additional national funding
Do further work over the coming months to explore how dioceses envisage the development of lay ministry in more detail. The application of additional national funding is proposed to education for lay ministry in three streams:
a) Creating the possibility of the recognition of candidates for particular lay ministries through a national selection process and the funding of their training in a similar way to ordinands
b) Matched funding available to dioceses to enhance their provision for lay ministry development (in parallel with Proposal 10 above)
c) Funding to ensure that the Church maximises the value of the Common Awards for lay education and training in dioceses.
(para 45 page 6&7)
13) Substantial proposals changes make considerable demands on TEIs and Diocese
And call for the continued development of close partnerships across the Church in the delivery of common goals. Sustaining high quality communication, consultation and the development of shared wisdom will be vital in drawing up the detailed proposals and in implementing change. (para 45 page 7)
14) Substantial additional funding is needed for the proposals
It is unlikely is that the proposals which encourage major growth can be implemented
without such. This is being explored as part of the broader agenda of the five connected Task Groups. (para 46 page 7). The Task Force have identified what an estimated 50% increase in present investment (in other words another £10m per annum) might achieve in supporting the dioceses to work towards a significant increase in numbers and quality. Further detailed financial projections are in preparation. (para 15 page 3)
15) Proposals mean a significant change in the role of the Ministry Division
Active consideration as to how the Division should be restructured has begun. (para 47 page 7)
16) Increase no. of candidates offering for all forms of ministry by 50% p.a. from present levels by 2020
The Task Force proposes a co-ordinated, episcopally led initiative in each diocese, based on prayer and fostering a culture of discipleship and vocation which actively seeks to achieve such an increase (para 18 page 3)
17) Expansion of Ministerial Education scheme for under 30’s from 30 participants to 250
Across all dioceses with a subsidy at the current level of £2k per capita per annum. (para 21 page 3)
Related CofE Posts
CofE Discerning & nurturing paper - with Green Report attached - from January 2015
Church Commissioners' funds and inter-generational equity - from January 2015
CofE Resourcing the Future - from January 2015
CofE Resourcing Ministerial Education - from January 2015
CofE Simplification paper - from January 2015
CofE Discerning & nurturing paper - with Green Report attached - from January 2015
Church Commissioners' funds and inter-generational equity - from January 2015
CofE Resourcing the Future - from January 2015
CofE Resourcing Ministerial Education - from January 2015
CofE Simplification paper - from January 2015
CofE Developing Discipleship paper - from January 2015
“In Each Generation” : A programme for reform and renewal - from January 2015
The Green Report - on CofE talent management - from December 2014
CofE typos in services - a compilation of a @OurCofE twitter hashtag - from December 2014
CofE 2013 mission stats - from November 2014
“In Each Generation” : A programme for reform and renewal - from January 2015
The Green Report - on CofE talent management - from December 2014
CofE typos in services - a compilation of a @OurCofE twitter hashtag - from December 2014
CofE 2013 mission stats - from November 2014
CofE Strategies - one of several posts summarising - from June/July 2014
Role of church in society conference - from June 2014
CofE church growth research conference - from January 2014
Role of church in society conference - from June 2014
CofE church growth research conference - from January 2014
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