The role of an Associate Minister
Associate Ministers are called to a range of ministries within the church and in wider society but they share some common core characteristics, they:
- grow faith in others
- enable the church in mission
- offer spiritual leadership
- exercise public ministry
Associate Ministers hold a Bishop’s license under Canon E6. This license is recognised and transferrable across the Church of England.
How are Associate Ministers discerned?
Discernment takes place in 3 spheres:
- Personal - a prayerful reflection based around the national formation qualities
- Contextual - discernment by the local church
- Diocesan - a discernment conversation with recommendations to the sponsoring bishop.
How are Associate Ministers trained?
The pre-requisite for training is completion of the Journey in Faith Course or equivalent. This is followed by a 2 year programme of training and formation which takes place in monthly learning sessions, reflective practice groups, placements and assessments. The academic level of training is to certificate level.
What happens after training?
Ministry involves life-long learning and this is supported through:
- an annual ministry review
- continuing ministerial learning programme
- pastoral reflection groups
For more information email: Liz.Rawlings@LeicesterCofE.org