Supporting and resourcing Focal Ministers
The Diocese of Sheffield is encouraging, authorising and resourcing those called to a focal role in the leadership of ministry and mission in their local churches.
These pages introduce this exciting new ministry and resources to support it.
About Focal Ministry
Focal Ministers are people called to serve the church in a public-facing role in their parishes. They are authorised by the Bishop, supported by the diocese and rooted to provide a regular presence in a congregation and/or community. They are authorised for a period of three years and usually work as part of a team with other Focal Ministers, but Focal Ministry is not one-size-fits-all. It can take different shapes, depending on the needs of the parish and the Focal Ministers themselves. Focal Ministers may already be a Reader, Churchwarden or other lay minister, others may be ordained. Some may be the obvious choice, others may be new to ministry. Focal Ministry is open to all.
Focal Ministers have 4 main leadership responsibilities;
- To be the public face of the church to their congregation and/or community.
- The Focal Ministry Team take responsibility, with the Oversight Minister and relevant others, for the development and delivery of mission and ministry in a parish.
- As individuals, Focal Ministers may take oversight of a specific aspect of mission or ministry.
- A final responsibility of Focal Ministers is to encourage and support the vocations of everyone, and build teams around their areas of responsibility.
Focal Ministry Blog
Readings, colours and collects for October 2024 (Year B)
Readings, colours and collects for September 2024 (Year B)
Readings, colours and collects for August 2024 (Year B)
Readings, colours and collects for July 2024 (Year B)
Readings, colours and collects for June 2024 (Year B)
Director of Focal Ministry, Sally Myers’ latest blog post for Sunday 26 May takes a look at Trinity Sunday.
Former Director of Focal Ministry, Sally Myers’ latest blog post for Sunday 19 May takes a look at Pentecost.
Former Director of Focal Ministry, Sally Myers’ latest blog post for Sunday 12 May takes a look at the Acts of the Apostles.
Director of Focal Ministry, Sally Myers’ latest blog post for Sunday 5 May takes a look at the Acts of the Apostles.
Director of Focal Ministry, Sally Myers’ latest blog post for Sunday 28 April takes a look at the fifth Sunday of Easter.
News
The Diocese recently surpassed a milestone of 100 authorised Focal Ministers – and there’s more to come!
Ahead of their authorisation as Focal Ministers on Saturday 27th April, Ian Bishop and Carolyne Storey have shared what drew them to the role
Strategy Refresh and Triennium Funding Consultation Friends, hear these extraordinary words from the Letter of St Paul to the Ephesians, chapter 3: Although I am […]
Focal Ministry teams across a newly formed Mission Area will be commissioned at a service at St John’s Goldthorpe to celebrate the Annunciation later this week.
St John’s Park Church in Sheffield is holding monthly meetings focusing on encouraging the congregation to understand their calling as Christians. The sessions, called ‘gather […]
Plans to bring more people to faith in the Diocese of Sheffield are being boosted through the creation of a new group: The Community of Evangelists.
Events
No Events are currently planned
Key Documents
EXPLORE MORE
For those on the path to becoming Focal Ministers
Beginning Focal Ministry in your parish
What might Focal Ministry look like in your Parish?