What are the benefits of Focal Ministers?
Focal Ministers are rooted in their local church and community and are known, trusted and connected. They have a deep understanding of their context and are passionate about its flourishing. Focal Ministers have been nurtured by their local church and are its natural and emerging leader.
Are Focal Ministers not just replacement vicars?
The pattern of ministry provision in the diocese is evolving in response to societal changes and what God is bringing to life. Alongside this are the current financial realities we are needing to attend to - it is the case that there will be fewer stipendiary clergy in the diocese but a greater number of other ministers, both lay and ordained.Focal Ministry is something that has been emerging informally for some time that we are now wanting to encourage and enable. The legal responsibility for the parish will remain with the PCC and designated Incumbent.
Do Focal Ministers need to be licensed?
Some Focal Ministers may be licenced lay ministers or licensed clergy but it is not a requirement that they hold a Bishop’s license. Focal Ministers will be authorised by the local church in collaboration with the Oversight Minister in a Minister Community. They will be authorised for a term of three years.
How will Focal Ministers be supported?
The role of Focal Minister can be challenging and to enable their flourishing suitable support will be essential. This will be offered in a variety of ways. Locally, the PCC is responsible for supporting and praying for their Focal Minister, the Oversight Minister will be responsible for more formal support, and Reflective Support Groups will offer peer support.
Do Focal Ministers need training?
Focal Ministers are not required to complete formal training prior to authorisation but there are a range of training resources they can access to equip them to grow in this ministry. Specifically, we are offering an on-line learning resource called The Guide (produced by CPAS) and this will be supplemented by local reflective practice groups for support and on-going practical learning.
Focal Ministers will need to undertake appropriate safeguarding training and have a valid DBS check which will be renewed every three years.
How are Focal Ministers selected?
Focal Ministers will be nominated by their PCC and undergo a discernment process in collaboration with the designated Incumbent within the Minister Community. The discernment process is guided by the diocesan Safer Recruitment Process and local prayerful discernment.
Can there be more than one Focal Minister?
Yes, a church could decide to have a team of Focal Ministers to share the responsibilities. Alternatively, a few Focal Ministers could work together across a Benefice. It is anticipated that single Focal Ministers will work with and grow teams of people to share the role and be nurturing gifts in others.
What is the difference between a Focal Minister, an Associate Minister and a Locally Authorised Minister?
Focal Ministers may be existing Associate Ministers, Locally Authorised Ministers or, indeed, Ordained Ministers, but they may also be someone who has not previously been in any recognised ministry role. The lines between these roles may not be completely distinct but the focus of the Focal Minister is on the spiritual leadership of a local church. They are:
Rooted – those who are rooted in God and rooted in their local church and community
Visible – those who enable the church to engage with its neighbours and in loving service to the world
Fruitful – those who encourage others to grow in faith and to live out that faith in their daily lives
Other ministers may exercise specialist ministries within a particular church or more broadly across a Minister Community or in a secular context such as chaplaincy, pastoral care or funeral ministry.
If you have further questions about Focal Ministry, contact Liz Rawlings, Discipleship and Vocations Enabler: Liz.Rawlings@LeicesterCofE.org