Ruth McBrien, MDR Administrator ruth.mcbrien@chichester.anglican.org Ph: 01273 421021 Mob: 07341564195 Ministerial Development Review
Introduction The clergy of this Diocese work faithfully and diligently, often in challenging circumstances, to preach the gospel and celebrate the sacraments, to care for those in need, to lead others in prayer, service and mission and to discern God s call within a rapidly changing society. Ministry Development Reviews aim to be an empowering process to support and encourage clergy in this challenging ministry. The practice of MDR is grounded in many passages in the New Testament. For instance often in his ministry Jesus took time aside to reflect and to pray. St Paul s letters also provide a theological undergirding for MDR. Paul repeatedly insists on the mutuality of the members that make up Christ s body, the Church. Each has their place in the work of ministry and must be mutually accountable to each other (Romans 12. 3 8, 1 Cor. 12. 14 31). They also need to encourage one another (Romans 1.12). The ministerial gifts that God gives need to be developed and occasionally rekindled (2 Timothy 1.6). These Pauline threads of mutual accountability, mutual encouragement and the rekindling of gifts lie at the heart of what MDR is about. The MDR form uses the ordinal and the questions we are asked at our ordination as a way of reflecting afresh on our life and ministry. This takes us back to the wellspring of our own vocation as a source of renewal and reengagement with what attracts and excites us in our calling. We all need this kind of reflection and support and it is my expectation that all licensed clergy (both those on Common Tenure for whom it is mandatory and for those on Freehold for whom it is optional) will welcome the opportunity to take part in MDR, including clerical members of the bishop s staff. The MDR process will involve clergy meeting either with one of the bishops or with one of the archdeacons. This will provide an opportunity for us to deepen our partnership in serving the people of God. It will also give expression to the on-going pastoral care and support of clergy and their families that is a crucial part of the ministry of bishops and archdeacons. My hope is that through MDR you will: be given an opportunity to pray and reflect on your vocation and ministry take stock of your ministry so far and identify areas for further development be given an opportunity to be encouraged and challenged be realistic about your strengths and weaknesses set goals for your work and personal development identify and access the means for both personal and ministerial training, support and development As we participate in MDR, I am convinced that we will become more confident and more effective in our various ministries as together we seek to serve God s purposes and share in God s mission in this Diocese. Of course, MDR is only one aspect of the relationship of mutual pastoral care and support that Bishops and Archdeacons offer. Please continue to feel free to contact any of us directly at any time when you need to. +Martin
Preparing for your MDR Meeting You cannot bear the weight of your calling in your own strength, but only by the grace and power of God. Pray therefore that your heart may daily be enlarged and your understanding of the Scriptures enlightened. Pray earnestly for the gift of the Holy Spirit. The CW Ordinal In order to get the best out of the review process, you are encouraged to take time to prepare for your review. Before you do so, you should obtain feedback from a representative range of people. 1 This form has been produced to help you in your review. Before using it, you are strongly encouraged to set aside time to both reflect on your ministry and to ensure the review process is firmly grounded in prayer. It is important that you pray for your reviewer during the process as they will be praying for you. You might find it helpful to have a quiet day or even a retreat. Please remember that your archdeacon can help you with funding towards this. As part of this process of self-review and reflection, before you complete this form it is recommended that you read the following documents: The Ordinal Step by step guide (see below) Your Role Description (if available yet) and/or the Parish Profile if relatively new in post If applicable, the objectives that were established for you in your previous MDR for this review period The feedback that you have received Additional resource documents, on the MDR page of the diocesan website, will hopefully prove a helpful tool as you prepare to complete MDR 1. They will provide a simple way of identifying pressure points that may arise from ministry, which can help in the development of effective strategies. 1 See form MDR2
Step by Step Guide for Ministers This section of the document is designed to assist ministers to understand the process and to make the very most of the opportunities provided. STEP 1 Within a pre-determined quarter of 2016 or 2017 you will be asked to complete a Self-Assessment document (MDR 1) intended to assist you to reflect on your ministry and to draw up proposed objectives for the forthcoming year. A copy of this document is to be sent to the MDR Administrator 2 weeks before the Review date, with the original retained by you. STEP 2 At the same time as you are completing Step 1 you will invite 4-5 people known to you from both the church and local community to complete a 360 degree Feedback Form (included in MDR 2). The benefit of this is to provide an external perspective of your ministry. It is recommended that you select people according to the guidance given. It is important that these people know you well to contribute fully to the review, but who will offer constructive feedback. Copies of these need to be sent to the MDR Administrator 2 weeks before the Review date. STEP 3 You will then meet with your Reviewer to discuss the self-assessment document and a summary of the 360 degree process and then the Reviewer will draw up a Summary Review document (MDR 3). This will be sent to you for your comments and agreement, and will contain personal development and ministry objectives for the forthcoming two years. MDR 3 will then be sent to the Palace to be read and signed by Bishop Martin. The personal development and ministry objectives (MDR 4) will then be sent to the Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD) Officer who will offer advice as to how these can be met and who you might be accountable to for these. MDR 1 and 2 will be shredded by your reviewer and MDR 3 will be included in your Blue File. STEP 4 Between reviews you need to follow up on your identified developments and objectives, engaging with the advice and support offered in the learning development plan included in MDR 4, together with being accountable to an appropriate person. STEP 5 Approximately 24 months later this process will be repeated. TIMETABLE So that the process works smoothly, those involved in the MDR process will seek to adhere to the following timetable counting down to your Review Date. 8-12 weeks prior you will receive your MDR invitation from the MDR Administrator, which will include a link to MDR 1 Self- Assessment and MDR 2 360 Degree Feedback forms, for you to complete. 2 weeks prior you should send copies of MDR 1 and the 360 degree Feedback forms to the MDR Administrator, keeping the originals for yourself. 2 weeks post you should agree the completed MDR 3 Review Document, keeping a copy for yourself. The original will be forwarded to the Bishop of Chichester for signing and filing in your Blue folder. MDR 4, listing your personal developments and ministry objectives, will be sent to the CMD Officer who will offer you appropriate support and guidance.
MDR 1 Self-Assessment Form Ministerial Development Review Reviewee Reviewer Date PLEASE attach a copy of your current ROLE DESCRIPTION to the back of the form MDR 1 Completing the form MDR 1 This review form is designed to be flexible and suitable for clergy serving in diverse ministerial contexts. Under each heading there are a number of points/questions to help prompt reflection. However, this is not an exhaustive list and so you may want to include further reflection on other points. Some of the points may not be particularly appropriate in your current ministerial context and can be considered briefly or not at all. Clergy who spend some or all of their time in contracted employment which is reviewed elsewhere should concentrate on sections 1 & 4. You should keep the original of this form, and send a copy to your MDR Administrator. Reflect on your ministry during the review period under the four identified areas: Personal: Self and Relationships Role/Ministry in Context Leadership, Collaboration and Community Ministry and Vocation within the Diocese and Wider Church 2016 Question from Bishop Martin The Future Reflection on 360 Feedback Forms In each area, please consider as part of your response: what has gone well what has gone not so well some possible objectives Please try to complete this form electronically. If written by hand, please use Block Capitals. The text boxes are expandable, and will adjust automatically to accommodate the amount of text written. Preferred name when saving your document: MDR1NameDateofReview.
1. Personal: Self and Relationships Giving of self Will you, knowing yourself to be reconciled with God in Christ, strive to be an instrument of God s peace in the Church and in the world? What are the joys and passions for you in ministry at present? What has been valuable and what has been difficult? Issues or relationships you may be struggling with or which need to be addressed? Giving of self reflection: Care of self and household Will you endeavour to fashion your own life and that of your household according to the way of Christ, that you may be a pattern and example to Christ s people? Your balance of work, rest and personal/ family life is it a sustainable pattern of ministry? Where you find your support (Spiritual Director, mentor, other clergy, friends etc.) Issues of health or well-being for you or a member of your household. You might like to reflect on your results of the online 'Managing Ministry Pressure Better (MMPB) tool' mentioned above Care of self and household reflection:
Growth in holiness Will you be diligent in prayer, in reading Holy Scripture and in all studies that will deepen your faith, and fit you to bear witness to the truth of the gospel? The practices of prayer and study that energise and sustain your ministry and spiritual life Reading and people who inspire or have inspired and developed your understanding of the faith Ways in which you have helped others grow in their faith, biblical understanding and spiritual life Growth in holiness reflection: Possible objectives: Outcomes from previous review(s) in the Personal: self and relationships area Proposed actions, developments, change, new initiatives in the Personal: self and relationships area Possible training/support required to meet the proposed objectives Section 1 possible objectives:
2. Role/Ministry in Context Role Description Do you have a Role Description and if so, have you reviewed it since it was created? Changes you would like to make in the light of experience What changes am I noticing in community and church? What changes in my own ministry or situation might I want to prepare for? Balance between dual roles (if applicable) Reflection on role: Mission, evangelism and discipleship Will you lead Christ s people in proclaiming his glorious gospel, so that the Good News of salvation may be heard in every place? What it means for you to proclaim the Good News in your context. How have you encouraged and enabled others in mission? How have you engaged with those on the fringes of the church and wider community? Engagement with schools and other educational establishments. What would you like to see develop? Proclaiming the gospel reflection:
Will you faithfully minister the doctrine and sacraments of Christ as the Church of England has received them, so that the people committed to your charge may be defended against error and flourish in the faith? Ways in which you have enabled people to grow in their discipleship How does your public worship speak of the beauty and holiness of God? Describe how forms of worship have helped people celebrate their faith and encounter God Discipleship and worship reflection: Possible objectives: Outcomes from previous review(s) in the Role/Ministry in context area Proposed actions, developments, change, new initiatives in the Role/Ministry in context area Possible training/support required to meet the proposed objectives Section 2 possible objectives:
3. Leadership, Collaboration and Community Will you work with your fellow servants in the Gospel for the sake of the kingdom of God? Leadership The kind of leader you think you are Your sense of vision for the people and place where you are ministering How are you looking to develop your pastoral leadership? Your awareness of the use and abuse of power Ways in which you are nurturing corporate life in the presence of diversity Leadership reflection: Collaboration In what ways are you working as a member of a team? How do you differentiate between collaborating and working with others? Ways in which you are prioritising and encouraging collaborative ministry Ways in which you have discerned, released and nurtured the gifts of others How you work with other denominations and faiths Collaboration reflection:
Community What significant local opportunities have there been for mission? Define the balance of your ministry in the Church community with public ministry in the wider community. Community reflection: Possible objectives: Outcomes from previous review(s) in the Leadership, Collaboration and Community area Proposed actions, developments, change, new initiatives in the Leadership, Collaboration and Community area Possible training/support required to meet the proposed objectives Section 3 possible objectives:
4. Ministry and Vocation within the Diocese and Wider Church Will you accept and minister the discipline of this Church and respect authority duly exercised within it? How you have received and sought to engage with the diocesan strategy Have you concerns about the Church structures you work within? How you have participated and engaged collegially in the deanery or wider diocese? What have you or could you offer beyond your benefice/current post? Issues of particular interest or concern in the Church of England or wider Church Ministry reflection: Will you then, in the strength of the Holy Spirit, continually stir up the gift of God that is in you, to make Christ known among all whom you serve What in your present post affirms your vocation? How your sense of vocation is being sustained, changed and developed How far your gifts are currently being used in your context, deanery, diocese or wider Church? Do you sense any different direction in your call? Vocation reflection:
Possible objectives: Outcomes from previous review(s) in the area of vocation and ministry within the diocese and wider Church Proposed actions, developments, change, new initiatives in the area of vocation and ministry within the diocese and wider Church Possible training/support required to meet the proposed objectives Section 4 possible objectives:
5. 2016 Question from Bishop Martin 2016 has been designated a Year of Mercy. How are you going to engage personally and in your ministerial context with the theme of Mercy? Response to Bishop Martin s question: 6. The Future Any desired changes of direction in the near future, including any hopes for a change of post Possible areas of ministry or responsibility you might like to gain some more experience of Possibility of a sabbatical (available every 10 years) or period of study leave Future Plans: Reflection on 360 feedback: 7. Reflection on 360 Feedback Forms
Ministerial Development Review MDR 2 360 Degree Feedback Introduction Asking others to comment on our ministry can feel daunting. However, gaining an understanding of how others see us and our work is an invaluable part of the process of reflection and review. Structured feedback from those to whom you relate in your different roles will offer fresh perspectives on, and new insights into, the way that you carry out that particular role. It is up to you to choose from whom you wish to get that feedback. For parochial clergy feedback, you would normally include a Churchwarden, Rural Dean, a member of the congregation and a local community leader. If they are not available, simply chose those you believe to be appropriate. If this is not possible then you should seek advice from your Reviewer. For non-parochial clergy, those giving feedback should include someone to whom you report, someone who reports to you, a colleague and one or two community leaders. If this is not possible then you should seek advice from your Reviewer. Please try to choose a range of people who can offer constructive feedback, and not simply those who you feel would give a universally positive response. Copies of the feedback, together with your own reflections should be sent to the MDR Administrator not less than 2 weeks prior to your Review Meeting. Your Reviewer will draw upon the feedback provided by you and others to inform your discussion. You may also like to discuss the responses you receive from the 360 degree Feedback with someone else, for example a mentor, spiritual director or work consultant. How to do it Using the Feedback Form, ask them to write down for you: Two things they appreciate about you in your current role One thing they think you could do differently One thing that they think you could do more of Use the responses to help you reflect on and review your ministry. Recognise how much you are appreciated Identify themes and tensions in the things people think you could do more of Feed these into your review as you feel is appropriate
360 Degree Feedback Form Reviewee Thank you for agreeing to provide me feedback on the way that I work in my current post. Please follow the structure set out in this form, so that your insights can be more easily combined with those from others that I have asked for feedback. Can you please let me have your feedback by, so that I have time to reflect on all the feedback, before I forward it to my Reviewer? Your Name Role The text boxes which follow are expandable, and will adjust in size to what you write within them. Can you please write down two things that you appreciate about me in my current role? Appreciation: Can you please write one thing that you think I could do differently? Do differently: Can you please give an example of one thing that is appreciated and that you think I could be encouraged to do more of in my current role? Do more:
MDR 3 Summary Review Ministerial Development Review Reviewee Reviewer Date After our meeting on the date shown, we agreed the following summary of the Review, along with your personal development and ministry objectives for the future. 1. Summary Personal: Self and Relationships: 2. Summary of Role/Ministry in Context: 3. Summary of Leadership, Collaboration and Community: 4. Summary of Ministry and Vocation within the Diocese and Wider Church: 5. Response to the 2016 Question from Bishop Martin: 6. Response to the Future: 7. Response to 360 Feedback Forms: 8. How does the information gathered from this MDR relate to the reviewee s Role Description?
Setting objectives for the future Objectives should focus on development and be appropriate and feasible. Do not choose more than 6 for the coming review period, up to 3 for personal development and up to 3 for the ministry exercised. The CMD Officer will offer specific advice via MDR 4 about how the identified objectives might be met. Being accountable to someone between reviews is important. Who might be deemed appropriate to undertake this role depends largely on the identified objectives, but it might be a mentor, colleague (such as a rural dean) or counsellor. Objective Personal Development 1. To be accountable to Personal Development 2. Personal Development 3. Ministry objective 1. Ministry objective 2. Ministry objective 3. Overview from the Reviewer: Review information agreed by Reviewee: Date: (An electronic, or typed, signature is acceptable) Review information agreed by Reviewer: Date: Reviewee Comments ( any comments or reflections on the process; if there are any areas of disagreement please record them here): Bishop of Chichester I confirm that I have read this MDR summary: Date:
Ministerial Development Review MDR 4 CMD Form CMD Form This will be completed by the MDR Administrator and forwarded to the CMD officer Reviewee Reviewer Date Objectives set within the Review Objective Personal Development 1 To be accountable to Personal Development 2 Personal Development 3 Ministry objective 1 Ministry objective 2 Ministry objective 3
Learning Development Plan Reviewee: The CMD Officer will work with you to create a learning development plan, to focus and support your learning over the next 2 years as you seek to meet the identified developments and objectives. These are to be written in the left hand column (one in each box) and then you work across, outlining what you will do to achieve them. You do not have to have something in the 10% formal education column as this may not be the most appropriate way to learn a new skill. There should be something in all the other columns. It will be important to focus on the best way for you to learn. Research shows that lasting learning comes in 3 ways. The boxes below offer some ideas for learning for each of the ways. 10% comes from formal education (courses, books etc.) 20% comes from learning with others 70% comes from experience and reflection 10% Formal Education Diocesan courses Courses provided by others Focused study course/degree Web based learning Focused & directed reading 20% Learning with Others Mentoring Peer support groups Intentional learning groups Action learning sets Work consultancy Learning with others outside of normal church environs 70% Experience and Reflection* Visiting places Networking Shadowing others Ministry exchange Investigating possibilities Sabbatical or study leave Reflecting on current practice Identifying and completing a project Inviting feedback from others, e.g. worship audit, preaching review *all of these carry the assumption that it will include elements of reflection
Learning Development Plan of Date From: To: To be completed by the reviewee and the CMD officer What do I want/need to learn? Personal Development 1 What will I do to achieve this? Formal Education 10% What will I do to achieve this? Learning with Others 20% What will I do to achieve this? Experience and Reflection 70% What resources or support will I need? Who will I be accountable to? When will I complete this? Personal Development 2 Personal Development 3 Ministry objective 1 Ministry objective 2 Ministry objective 3 Agreed by Reviewee: Date Signed by CMD officer: Date