Main Recommendations

Numbers in parentheses refer to the chapters/paragraphs in main report

1. We recommend that local ministry teams become the normal means through which ministry and mission are undertaken in the parishes and communities of the diocese (3:1ff)
   
2. We recommend the identification of localities throughout the diocese (1:8, 3:0-14)
   
3. We recommend that local ministry strategy be developed ecumenically wherever possible (1.19)
   
4. We recommend the further development of voluntary ministries including pastoral assistants, evangelists, childrens and youth ministers but in a framework that does not create new 'orders' of lay minister (1:22, 2.19)
   
5. We recommend that financial priority be given to the provision of resources, including staff, for support and training to enable the flourishing of local ministry teams and voluntary ministry. (1:23, 29, 4:7ff)
   
6. We recommend the establishment of a Council for Ministry and Mission (5:5)
   
7. We recommend Ordained Local Ministry not be introduced at this stage (2.21)

Following Recommendations

8. We recommend the creation of a Local Ministry Teams Advisory Group (3:21)
   
9. We recommend the Durham Guidelines be adapted for use in this diocese for the identification of localities for Local Ministry Teams and that the Deanery be given a major role in the discerning and establishing of such teams. (3:10ff and Appendix)
   
10. We recommend that training be offered for a new range of lay ministries and that attention be given to accreditation and moderation (2:19)
    
11. We recommend every diocesan body spend time addressing the question 'What is the implication of the Ministry Strategy for our work?' (5:11)
    
12. Positive discrimination should be given to ministry to children and young people, and awareness of what the Diocese can offer centrally in these areas should be promoted. (1:13)
    
13. We recommend the further development of Church Schools as centres for Ministry and Mission, and as an additional way of "being church". (1:12, 4:8)
    
14. We recommend the review and replanting of existing Group and Team Ministries within the Diocese. (2.18)
    
15. We affirm the calling of all stipendiary ordained ministers and recommend ongoing study of their developing roles within Local Ministry Teams. (1:24, 2:7-9)
    
16. We recommend improved strategies for the deployment of non-stipendiary clergy and Readers within Local Ministry Teams and the discerning of their roles, so that this voluntary resource may be maximised. (2:14, 2:16)
    
17. We recommend that active retired clergy be encouraged to play an appropriate part in Local Ministry Teams, in consultation with the local church. (2:17, 3:8)
    
18. We recommend that a periodic review of our inheritance of church buildings be undertaken by the Deanery, in partnership with the DAC and the Pastoral Committee, with priority given to promoting accessibility and practicality. Where there is local support the diocese should look positively on ideas to reduce the number of churches in use. (1:8, 1:9, Appendix)

Contents

• Foreword by the Bishop of Ely
• Introduction by the former Bishop of Huntingdon
• Chapter One Context and Challenges
• Chapter Two Licensed and Authorised Ministry
• Chapter Three Local Ministry Teams
• Chapter Four Resourcing Ministry
• Chapter Five Structures
• Recommendations
• Bibliography
• Appendix

Downloads

• Report in PDF Format
• Report in Word Format