Preparing the Church for Mission in 21st Century Ireland

Connecting Learning and Practice

The House of Bishops Planning Group

By the Right Reverend Michael Jackson, Bishop of Clogher

Background

Over the last while the Bishops have signalled their intentions to make some far reaching changes to the way in which formation and training is provided for all, both lay and clerical – although initially the intention is to focus on the ordained ministry. There have been some articles in the Church of Ireland Gazette and there were a number of communications at last years General Synod. Through articles like this throughout the church we want to begin a process of communication that we hope will bring the whole church with us as we begin such a major transformation to this key part of church life

The Approach to the Project

The Bishops have received input from many sources, from staff and students, from those who have participated over the years and from a comprehensive review carried out by an expert body invited by the Bishops to review the Theological College.. On foot of all of this, in April of last year, the Bishops formed a Bishops’ Planning Group which includes the Bishops of Clogher, Kilmore and Meath and is supported by the Central Director of Ordinands, Canon Alan Abernethy and by a project co-ordinator Mr. Andrew McNeile. This team created a plan which has been approved by the House of Bishops in late autumn.

The Vision for the Plan

As the subtitles highlight, the key focus of the project is firstly to prepare people effectively for ministry in 21st century Ireland and secondly to connect effectively our learning and practice. This means that we recognise that the role of the rector has undergone a thorough transformation in the last 30 years and in order to prepare people effectively for these multifaceted, multidiscipline and demanding environments a radical rethink of our approach to preparation for ministry is required. We recognise that the best methods of current training involve a close bond between learning and practice – so that academic study and practice and reflection are not independent of one another but, rather, brought to practical unity. The realities of the demands in the parish need to be brought back into the learning environment as the insights of holy scripture are applied to everyday life and the fulfilment of human potential in service and leadership.

We also aim to ensure that the training experience is an enriching one for all traditions within the Church of Ireland, to initiate a process of lifelong learning and deepening vocation and spiritual self awareness and integrity of living.

We intend our academic pathways to connect with universally recognisable academic accreditation levels and educational approaches and styles that are varied and flexible and will be attractive and will engage with younger members of the church presenting themselves for ordination.

We aim to provide a facility that will create a first class environment in which to learn and one that is family friendly – so that the varying needs of families are well catered for during the training period.

We also are keen to eliminate the disparities between the Stipendiary and Non-Stipendiary training by achieving equivalent training paths through both the residential or the non-residential options. We also intend to create a new Governance Structure that will be charged with ensuring that these aims are being achieved.

So where are we with all of this?

Your Opportunity to Engage with the Process – www.ministry.ie

In a short article like this there is only space to cover the main aims and aspirations of a comprehensive plan, much less the implementation.

Consequently what we would like to do is to invite the clergy and laity of the Church of Ireland who are interested to engage with this process to

two Information Events

one that is being held in Dublin on 18th April 7.30 p.m.

in the Green Isle Hotel in Newlands Cross

and the other on 19th April at 7.30 p.m. in Belfast at the Templeton Hotel in Templepatrick – we hope this advance notice will enable many to plan to attend and participate. At the Information Events the plans will be presented and there will be plenty of scope for questions and answers. Space will be limited and you can reserve your place on the web site – or by writing to the Ministry Project at Church of Ireland House, Rathmines, Dublin 6. We have also established a website which will tell you more details about the project, its aims and aspirations, the teams working on implementation and how to contact the project team and the full details of the information events and how to book in. Recognising that many members of our church, quite properly, have a deep and passionate interest in this topic – indeed a passion we share – we hope this website will provide a useful source of ongoing communication and information. The contact details are on the web site and the project team would welcome any input. We hope this will be the first step on an important and exciting journey for our church