By the term ‘oversight ministry’ we are simply seeking to emphasise that those who are called to the ordained ministry are called above all to mobilise the whole people of God.
The primary purpose of the Oversight Minister in this model is to enable all the baptised to live out the fullness of their vocation, having received the light of Christ, ‘to shine as a light in the world to the glory of God the Father’. ‘Guided by the Spirit, priests are to discern and foster the gifts of all God’s people’.
This nurturing, empowering, enabling ministry is not ‘one-size-fits-all’: it will take a different shape in each local context, however all Oversight Ministers, stipendiary and self-supporting, are called to release the people of God to be signs, first-fruits and agents of God’s kingdom in the world. We recognise that many of our clergy are already working in this way.
Our six Associate Archdeacon-Transition Enablers assist clergy and congregations in moving towards this model of ministry, drafting role descriptions and coaching Oversight Ministers to flourish effectively in their ministry. All Oversight Ministers’ role descriptions are signed off by the Archdeacon on behalf of the Bishops. It is important that each agreed role is fulfilling, realistic and achievable.
The role has been shaped around 4 key areas
- To oversee mission and ministry in the Mission Area
Oversight Ministers will have legal responsibility for one or more churches within a Mission Area but will work alongside (where appointed) other Oversight Ministers and Focal Ministry teams in the delivery of mission and ministry across the Mission Area.
- To resource the whole people of God for the whole mission of God.
Oversight Ministers will foster a healthy culture and leadership structures to ensure that all those called to ministry feel valued and equipped.
- To ensure mission and ministry in the Mission Area reflects the Christian faith as understood in the Church of England.
Oversight Ministers are to have due regard to the legal responsibilities of church leadership including good governance and full compliance in safeguarding. They are ministers of word and sacrament, proclaiming the Gospel in a manner appropriate to the context in which they minister.
- To identify, nurture and develop leaders of the Mission Area.
Oversight Ministers will identify, develop and support faithful, wise and prayerful leaders within their congregations. They will take care of themselves through ensuring that their ministries are marked by healthy patterns of rest and work.
