Focal Ministry ‘raises up and calls out’ excellent local leaders to be a visible leadership presence in their church under the oversight of their incumbent. This stream aims to provide support to benefices with more than one church.
Aim
Instead of stretching clergy ever thinner, this model appoints local leaders (ordained or lay), under the oversight of an ordained Incumbent, to be a consistent visible present in their church. Amongst other gains, research suggests this should lead to a small but tangible level of church growth and development. Focal Ministers can be ordained (SSM deacons or priests or with PTO) or authorised or licensed lay ministers.
This ministry model is anticipated to work well in the Diocese of Chichester as we are blessed with many capable and faithful local leaders in our parishes, a number of whom may be called to various forms of lay ministry including focal ministry. The Diocese has a large pool of retired clergy and SSMs, some of whom may be willing to minister in this way.
Focal Ministers have a range of specific roles suited to their own gifts and the needs of the parish. Focal Ministry is collaborative, rooted in prayer and sacrament, and proven to work. Research shows churches with focal ministers often grow, even modestly, where decline was expected.We hope this approach will support at least 30 churches by 2035.
Focal Ministry empowers local leadership, strengthens community ties, and helps grow local churches by ensuring every parish remains a place of encounter with Christ.
Sharing and celebrating
It is anticipated any parish participating in the Focal Ministry programme is willing to share their learning and celebration stories with the diocese for the benefit of the wider community.
What can be funded?
Focal Ministers serve voluntarily.
Participation in the diocesan Focal Ministry programme provides access to high-quality, free tailored training and support for Focal Ministers and Incumbents. The focus of the training is in local mission and in working in a sustainable, collegial way.
Case Studies
[case studies to follow]
How to apply
If you are an incumbent of a multi-church benefice and would like to find out more about whether Focal Ministry may be helpful in your benefice, please contact Fr Felix at Focal.Ministry@chichester.anglican.org.
Further information is available on the diocesan website here.