To be an ordained minister is both a wonderful privilege and a great responsibility. At ordination we are reminded that the treasure entrusted to our care is Christ’s flock, bought by the shedding of his blood. We are also made aware that we cannot bear the weight of such a calling in our own strength but only through the grace and power of God.
Ordained ministry is about ‘being’ and ‘doing’. Our character and attitudes, words and actions are to be shaped and sustained through prayer, the Scriptures, fellowship and worship, and our service in God’s mission is to reflect Christ and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We are to use the gifts we have been given, developing them in ourselves and others, to better serve the purposes of God in the office and role we have been given. At ordination we commit ourselves to continually stir up the gift that is in us and to be faithful stewards, ready to give account to God.
The Process
The Ministry Development Review process is a two year cycle designed to help us grow and flourish in ministry and help us bear its weight. One of the greatest sources of stress in the workplace is caused by not knowing what is expected. This Review process will help ordained ministers to identify key expectations of their role and provide confidential feedback from those who experience their ministry first-hand.
Research has also shown that those who are most effective and most content in their roles are people who know their strengths and play to them. The Review will help determine areas for development, with a primary focus on how strengths can be developed and used to assist other needs.
There are two parts to the first year of the process. The first part is the Review itself which uses statements in a questionnaire style format to provide the initial information on areas which would benefit from development. The second part involves working with a facilitator to clarify actions to be taken. In the second year of the process there is a meeting with a Bishop, Archdeacon or the Dean to discuss progress.
Preparation
We very much regard this as part of a spiritual exercise and discipline and hope that you will too. We have prepared two prayers, one for ministers and another for nominees, to assist you and invite you to seek God’s grace and wisdom before you complete the Review questionnaire.
Prayer for Ministers:
Holy and Gracious God, help me to be truthful, self-aware and vulnerable in this reflection on my ministry and practice. Please inspire this Review process that it might be an opportunity for my growth and development as an ordained minister in your Church. May the insights of others enrich and enliven my every endeavour for the gospel and increase my confidence in your calling. In your grace grant me a greater sense of your power and presence in my ministry, for the glory of Jesus Christ and the salvation of your world. Amen
Prayer for Nominees:
Holy and Gracious God, thank you for the life and ministry of (name). Thank you for the trust s/he has placed in me by inviting me to reflect on her/his ministry. Help me to do this honestly, with integrity and insight. Please bless and strengthen (name) through this process that s/he may grow and develop in the ministry to which s/he has been called by you, and be a greater blessing to those whom s/he serves.
To the glory of your Name. Amen
