More thoughts on the training bishops discussion: 1. This is about the process for those possibly called to be bishops, deans, leaders of mission agencies and large churches (personally Id add archdeacons, but thats a quibble). This process has never been subject to Synodical procedures (perhaps there is an argument for saying it might, and thats open to debate) - its entirely about what is called the senior appointments procedure (I wish we could find better terminology). People may remember the Perry Report and other material on senior appointments. So the argument from folk involved in CMD that they have a stake in all this has no precedent. The training of Bishops is overseen by the Archbishops and a panel of the House of Bishops. You may not like that, but thats how it is. 2. The money for this comes from the Church Commissioners. It is their responsibility to fund bishops (and cathedrals and pensions). 3. The preparation and training for bishops has previously been pretty crap. Most of the skills you need for ministry in the public square, strategic planning, change management, people and HR skills, enabling proper use of power and self-differentiation had to be acquired elsewhere (either through transferable skills or seeking out learning opportunities). Most of my training in this area came from being involved in local authorities and charities. Similarly, opportunities for nurturing the spiritual life have to be sought out. Bishops training has never been good. Perhaps it shows!! 4. The CofE needs a radical shake-up if it is to survive and grow. That requires a new approach to ministerial training and development. The foolish mistakes of the Hind Report, tick-box training, GCSE approaches to POT and Min Div bureaucracy need to be jettisoned, so that we can select and equip priests who can engage with verve and prayerful collaborative missional enterprise in the task of re-evangelisation and catechesis in the context of C21 England. Thats why there is a report coming which will address that, including providing additional funding for CMD/CME. We are in last chance saloon, and I have no wish to lead in mission in a declining church. We have to turn it round.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Dec 2014 14:29:29 +0000