The discernment process of CofEB Local Ministry Formation Pathway Cohort 2 begins in September 2022.
Local Ministers are leaders of church communities or fresh Expression communities who may be lay ministers or ordained, appointed by the Bishop for an initial period of 5 years, to lead under the oversight of an ordained priest, e.g. Oversight Minister, Priest-in-charge, Area Dean. All Local ministers, lay and ordained, are self-supporting.
This is being led by Pathway Leaders, Andy Delmege and Sam Gibson, supported by Director of Ministry Mark Pryce and Area Deans, in consultation with the Bishops and Archdeacons, together with DDO Calvert Prentis and the Local Ministry Reference Group.
Phase 1: September – November 2022
- The process begins with an initial conversation with Incumbent/Oversight Minister and Area Dean about potential participation in the Pathway.
- This is followed by Community Discernment with PCCs, facilitated by Pathway Steering Group.
- The Discernment Process distills an appreciative summary of leadership in the parish.
- On the basis of this discerns with the PCC and local leaders whether there are potential participants for the Pathway.
Foundation Year: January-December 2023
Participation in monthly evening sessions, plus occasional Saturdays
Diocesan Panel to discern continued participation in the Pathway.
Pathway Year 1: January-December 2024
Participation in monthly evening sessions, plus occasional Saturdays
Regular meetings with Supporting Minister
Discernment day 1 for ordained/licensed lay ministry
Interview with Sponsoring Bishop
Ordination of Deacons Local Ministers ordained/Commissioning of Lay Ministers
Pathway Year 2: January-December 2025
Participation in monthly evening sessions, plus occasional Saturdays
Regular meetings with Supporting Minister
Discernment day 2 for ordained/licensed lay ministry
Interview with Sponsoring Bishop
Ordination of Priests Local Ministers ordained/Licensing of Local Ministers Lay
Certificates of Satisfactory Completion
The Pathway is funded by the DBF at no cost to the parishes or the candidates.
Parishes/Oversight Areas interested in exploring the Pathway should speak with their Area Dean before September 2022.