Local church life is changing radically and patterns of clergy training and deployment with it. Multi-congregational groupings are increasingly the norm with fewer stipendiary clergy and greater reliance on self-supporting and lay ministry. Meanwhile some aspects of priestly ministry are being carried out by specialist practitioners such as missioners working across a number of parishes. All of this raises questions about how we understand, prepare for and practice ministry and leadership in the church today. As ministry increasingly becomes the responsibility of the local congregation and priesthood more about supervision, this key book explores the theology of such a model and how it is beginning to work in practice, drawing insights gained from rural ministry which has pioneered advances in multi-congregation ministry settings.

This is an examination of the role and work of bishops for today and tomorrow, exploring how ministries of great responsibility might shape the future. Episcopal churches around the world are in crisis. Some face division and threats from breakaway groups. Others have a crisis of finance and fear bankruptcy. Dioceses are accused of inadequate pastoral care and delayed disciplining of clergy. Bishops lead separatist groups and allow themselves to become the focus for disagreement. Something disturbing is happening to our churches and we need to find out what it is. Writing from long experience as a church leader, consultant and trainer, Malcolm Grundy has produced a searching examination of leadership in episcopal churches. He asserts that there is a vacuum of leadership in many places. Describing the pitfalls and temptations of power he analyzes the responsibilities of leadership. He asserts that a rediscovery of episkope - the shared responsibility which all members of episcopal churches have for one-another is the trust-building ingredient which is missing. His imaginative models of what mutually accepted leadership and oversight can look like lead to a creative conclusion. Without the acceptance of trusting relationships, he fears that the descent into further schism is inevitable.

The way that local churches are run is changing dramatically as many denominations deal with numbers of stipendiary clergy falling and new forms of ordained and lay ministries emerging. Churches are grouped together more and more, while many are exploring entirely new ways of being church - through initiatives like Fresh Expression and Mission Shaped Church. All of this raises questions about what new patterns of leadership are needed to meet changing circumstances. This book provides techniques and solutions in relation to: Developing lay leadership; Building team ministry; Leading a group of congregations; Nurturing new forms of ministry; Sustaining new models of church; and more.

This is an accessible guide for all those thinking of ordination, their teachers, and all those setting out in the ministry, along with their families. It offers practical advice on all the personnel issues related to the ministry, from sensing a call to planning for your retirement. There is clear and simple guidance on the appointments system and chapters on handling conflict, introducing change, managing on less money, knowing when to move on and reviewing your ministry. The Church is exempt from employment law and clergy aften have to feel their way through 30 years or more service. This text offers support and guidance for every stage of your ministry, a summary of legal responsibilities and parish structures and advice for nurturing your personal life.

Bringing together the authors's experience of working in Europe, the United States, and Australia, this book includes the latest rites for welcoming adults into church membership, together with a detailed account of the Adult Catechumenate and the way in which adults may make a journey into faith, making commitment at the right time on the way and following through into discipleship.