The Diocese of Rochester
The Bishop’s Policy for Self-Supporting Ministry
in the Diocese of Rochester
Introduction
Self-Supporting Ministers (SSMs), serving in a variety of settings, already make a very significant contribution to the church’s mission and ministry in the Diocese of Rochester and indeed across the Church of England. This policy document (which replaces that first issued in March 2005) provides a framework for the exercise and development of such self-supporting ministries in our Diocese.
The shape of Self-Supporting Ministries
The ministry of SSMs is to be valued and received alongside that of their stipendiary colleagues; their roles will often vary, but they are affirmed equally as deacons and priests within the ordained ministry of the Church. While acknowledging the distinctive elements of self-supporting ministry, the Bishop’s intention is that there be as few differences as possible between arrangements for SSMs and those for stipendiary clergy – they are part of the one diocesan college of priests and deacons.
SSMs express their callings in a wide variety of ways, depending on their work and personal circumstances, availability and the shape of their vocation. Though not in receipt of a stipend, a numberserve full-time in parochial ministries; others are able to offer varying amounts of time in such ministries. Some serve primarily in chaplaincy or similar roles, while the ministerial vocation of others is expressed mainly in the setting of their paid or voluntary work – the latter are sometimes known as Ministers in Secular Employment (MSE).
In the parish setting, SSMs serve most commonly in Assistant or Associate roles. However, we already have experience within the Diocese of SSMs serving in incumbent-status roles as, for example, Team Vicar or Priest-in-Charge. The key question in discerning whether a person will serve in such a role is not whether they receive a stipend or not, but whether the Church considers them suited to a role of parochial leadership and whether they are called to the particular post in question. SSMs may also serve as Vicar or Rector, though issues may arise because of the usual requirement for holders of such posts to live in the parsonage house.
In formal terms, SSMs are licensed to their ministries by the Bishop, and hold their appointments under Common Tenure with a Statement of Particulars specific to the shape of their role. The national framework for self-supporting ministry is to be found inRegulations for Self-Supporting Ministry (ABM Policy Paper No.5, 1996) and in the The Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations, 2009.
As the Church continues to respond imaginatively and prayerfully to the mission and ministry opportunities before us, it is likely that we will wish further to explore the possibilities for self-supporting ministry in parochial and other settings. Self-supporting pioneer ministry may be one such possibility, as also the deployment of SSMs in team settings alongside stipendiary ministers and authorised lay ministers.
The Discernment Process
The need and desire to foster new vocations to ordained ministries is clear. National and diocesan projections indicate continuing (and in some instances growing) aspirations to deploy ordained ministers. Within that overall deployment, the Bishophopes and expects to see a growing contribution from SSMs.
The process for discerning a possible vocation is the same whether that vocation may be expressed in stipendiary or self-supporting terms. Indeed the discernment process may be one of the means through which those options are explored with a candidate. This process involves engagement with one of our team of Vocations Advisers, leading where appropriate to meeting with one of the Diocesan Directors of Ordinands, assisted by our Discernment Advisers. Those sponsored by the Bishop (in our Diocese the sponsoring bishop is the Bishop of Tonbridge) then proceed to a national Bishops’ Advisory Panel (BAP) alongside those being considered for stipendiary ministry. Indeed, while the discernment process naturally considers whether a person may serve in stipendiary or self-supporting roles, the actual criteria for recommendation are the same for all candidates.
Training Pathways
Those recommended for training may follow any of a number of training pathways. For a person intending to offer for self-supporting ministry, the most likely will be part-time non-residential training through the South-East Institute for Theological Education (SEITE). There is, however, a growing menu of other pathways through SEITE and other training institutions. Discussion about the most suitable pathway will take place between the candidate and their DDO, and may take into account relevant prior learning and experience (e.g. being a theology graduate). The final decision about a particular candidate’s training pathway lies with the Bishop of Tonbridge as sponsoring bishop.
First Appointment
It is a policy of the House of Bishops that, except in very unusual circumstances, candidates for ordination serve a curacy (sometimes known as a ‘title post’) in a parish setting. In the Diocese of Rochester such curacies last for at least 3 years, but no more than 4. Assuming satisfactory progress through training, the Bishop of Tonbridge meets with each candidate about one year before the end of their course. This meeting begins the process of matching potential curates to training incumbents and parishes.
The norm is for those serving as SSMs to serve their initial curacy in a parish other than that within which their vocation has been nurtured. This ensures a broadening of ministerial experience in the early years of ordained ministry, and gives the new minister the opportunity to develop as an ordained person outside the context in which they have been well known in a lay capacity. In some circumstances this norm may be varied, and of course in all cases account has to be taken of the practical constraints of home, workplace etc. While in this initial appointment, a minister (whether SSM or stipendiary) is designated as ‘Assistant Curate’. All newly ordained clergy are eligible fora First Appointment Grant of towards the cost of robes, books and other requisites of ministry. This is set at 3% of the National Minimum Stipend, and details are given at the time of ordination.
Ordination
The service for ordaining deacons takes place on a Saturday each September at the Cathedral. There is a rehearsal for all candidates on the previous Wednesday, after which the candidates go on retreat until the Ordination Service. All of these arrangements are co-ordinated by the Bishop’s Chaplain who circulates details to all of the candidates.
For those seeking ordination to priesthood, an assessment of suitability for this takes place about 9 months after ordination to the diaconate: this includes a meeting with the Bishop of Tonbridge. The service for ordaining priests is also in September, but may take place in one of the parish churches.
Initial Ministerial Education
The curacy is seen as part of a person’s continuing formation as a minister. Alongside gaining experience in the parish under the guidance of a training incumbent, all curates are expected to participate in a diocesan programme of learning and assessment (known as ‘IME 4-7’). In some circumstances it is possible to make variations to the main programme to meet the particular circumstances of SSMs – this will be agreed on an individual basis with the staff of the diocesan Formation and Ministry Team.
Subsequent Posts
A further assessment, again involving the Bishop of Tonbridge, takes place in the third year after ordination: this is an opportunity both to reflect on the curacy experience and also to consider possibilities for future ministry. Assuming satisfactory completion of the curacy, stipendiary clergy will usually move at this stage to a new post in a new setting. It will often be right for SSMs to do the same – including the possibility of moving back to the parish within which their vocation was first formed. This may also be a time to consider ministries that are not parochial.
For SSMs there is also the possibility of remaining in the parish where the initial curacy has been served. If this is thought right, however,a new role will be agreed: this marks the move (even if remaining in the same place) into a role commensurate with a person having completed the initial ministerial phase. This happens at the latest on the fourth anniversary of ordination and is marked with the giving of a new Licence. At this point both SSMs and stipendiary clergy (if not in an incumbent status post) are designated as ‘Associate Minister/Vicar/Rector’.
Further moves may follow as a person’s ministry develops. For SSMs changes in life circumstances (e.g. retirement from paid employment or change in family circumstances) will often open up new possibilities for ministry. This may appropriately be discussed in the context of MDR (see below) or by seeking a meeting with the Bishop or Archdeacon.
Working Agreement
For every role there is a Working Agreement and a Role Description as well as the formal Statement of Particulars under Common Tenure. These documents are renewed for each new post and should also be reviewed periodically, not least in the context of MDR. SSM Convenors and the staff of the Formation and Ministry Team will advise on these matters.
Change of Incumbent
Where a SSM is serving in an Assistant or Associate capacity, a particular point of transition arises when a new Incumbent is appointed. In these circumstances the SSM will hopefully be a good support to their new colleague as they begin their new ministry. A special review will be arranged within the first 6 months of the new incumbent’s tenure; this will be initiated by the Archdeacon who will encourage the SSM and the Incumbent to review their ministerial relationship and propose any adjustments to the SSM’s role. In some circumstances this may lead to consideration of a move to a new ministry.
Transfers between SSM and Stipendiary Ministry
There is a steady (and perhaps increasing) flow in both directions between stipendiary and self-supporting ministries. Such transfer is made easier by the fact that, at the point of recommendation for training, a key distinction is now not that of whether a person’s ministry will be stipendiary or self-supporting, but rather whether or not they have potential for primary leadership in ministry.
National guidance is that a person seeking transfer from SSM to stipendiary should normally serve at least part of a stipendiary curacy or as a stipendiary Associate before taking on a role as a stipendiary incumbent. In some cases this guidance might be waived:an example would be where a person, though doing so without stipend, has served full-time in a curacy role and has been assessed as having gained the experience necessary for incumbency.
The Deanery and Diocese
As Licensed clergy, SSMs are members of their Deanery Chapter and Deanery Synod. While accepting the constraints of work and other commitments, SSMs are encouraged to participate as fully as possible in the life of their Deanery. Deanery Chapters in particular are also encouraged to arrange their meetings so as to make possible participation by SSMs on at least some occasions through the year.
It is important for the standing and development of self-supporting ministry within our Diocese that SSMs are properly represented on diocesan bodies. SSMs are of course eligible for election to the Diocesan Synod, and for appointment to other diocesan bodies: the Bishop is keen to see SSMs take on such roles.
Support, Review and Continuing Development
In addition to the normal patterns of support and fellowship through the Deanery, each Archdeaconry has at present a Convenor for SSMs. The Convenors take a particular interest in supporting SSMs in those matters that are specific to their pattern of ministry. Gatherings specifically for SSMs are arranged periodically, though SSMs are strongly encouraged to make use of all opportunities for training and development.
Ministerial Development Review (MDR) for SSMs takes place within the Bishop’s Scheme for all clergy. Such review is an expression of the Bishop’s oversight, and is intended to be supportive in the development of a person’s ministry. For those in their curacy, this is within the pattern of assessment that takes place over the first 3 years (see above). Thereafter, all clergy serving under Common Tenure (including SSMs) have a full review every other year with a reviewer from the diocesan pool of those selected and trained for this purpose. In the intervening years there is a lighter touch review with the Archdeacon or the Diocesan Bishop.
Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD) is provided for all licensed clergy within the Diocese – indeed those serving under Common Tenure have a right to the provision of appropriate CMD. During a curacy, CMD is provided as part of the curacy pattern (see above). Thereafter, SSMs are invited to participate in the diocesan programme alongside their stipendiary colleagues. Particular training needs may be identified through MDR; others may arise out of the particular role being undertaken. In addition to CMD days and courses offered by or through the Diocesan Formation and Ministry Team, all licensed clergy have an annual CMD allocation (at present £100pa) which may be drawn upon in consultation with the Team. This allocation may be ‘banked’ for up to 3 years.
Safeguarding matters
In common with all clergy, SSMs need a disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service – DBS (formerly CRB). A new disclosure is sought at every change of appointments and otherwise every 5 years.
All clergy are required to observe the best practice in relation to the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults. The Diocese offers regular training in these matters, and SSMs are asked to make the time to attend periodically.
Remuneration and Expenses
SSM is a voluntary ministry within the Church; SSM clergy do not, therefore, receive any remuneration for their ministry. This includes remuneration for pastoral services where the fees are not payable to an individual minister, but to the Diocesan Board of Finance or the relevant PCC.
SSMs are, however, entitled to reasonable expenses for all aspects of their ministry. The relevant PCC should always offer expenses, even if the SSM concerned chooses not to claim them. These arrangements should be made clear in the Working Agreement and other documents.
Retirement
All clergy, whether SSM or stipendiary, cease to hold the Bishop’s Licence upon reaching the age of 70. Many decide to retire earlier than that, and exceptionally the Bishop may grant a Licence beyond the age of 70 for one year at a time.
Retired clergy who were formerly SSM may minister in retirement on exactly the same basis as their formerly stipendiary colleagues. This is on the basis of the Bishop’s ‘Permission to Officiate’ (PTO) which may be given at the Bishop’s discretion and is then subject to periodic renewal. Though clergy with PTO may choose to officiate primarily in one parish, they come under the general oversight of the Area/Rural Dean.
Conclusion
These notes are not exhaustive; in particular they do not touch on a great many matters which relate to all of the clergy. SSMs are, therefore, encouraged to familiarise themselves with other guidance on good practice and other matters such as may be relevant to their ministries.
In his role as chief pastor within the Diocese, the Bishop is keen to see the ministries of SSM deacons and priests flourish in a variety of settings. He is always willing to meet with SSM clergy if requested, and encourages such clergy to play their full part within the mission and ministry of the church within the Diocese.
+James, Bishop of Rochester
January 2013
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