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Ministry Development Review & Continuing Ministerial Development

The combined purpose of MDR and CMD is to support effective, faithful, and sustainable ministry. These processes provide structured opportunities to reflect on experience, recognise growth, and identify areas for development.

MDR:

  • Skills development
  • Every two years
  • Reflective, supportive, developmental
  • CMD:
  • Ongoing learning
  • Retreats, training, study

Ministry within the Church is understood as both a gift and a calling, entrusted to individuals for the service of God and the wider community. As such, it requires ongoing reflection, development, and renewal. The Church of England provides a framework for supporting this through Ministry Development Review (MDR) and Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD). Together, these processes enable clergy to reflect on their ministry, discern future priorities, and engage in lifelong learning and formation.

Purpose of Ministry Development and Continuing Formation

The combined purpose of MDR and CMD is to support effective, faithful, and sustainable ministry. These processes provide structured opportunities to reflect on experience, recognise growth, and identify areas for development.

MDR offers a space to look back on recent ministry, giving thanks for what has been achieved and honestly acknowledging challenges. It also enables forward planning by helping to clarify future direction and priorities. CMD complements this by encouraging ongoing learning and equipping ministers to respond to changing contexts and responsibilities.

Together, MDR and CMD foster a culture of growth, accountability, and encouragement within the life of the Church.

Ministry Development Review (MDR)

Ministry Development Review is a structured and confidential conversation focusing on an individual’s ministry. It takes place between the minister and a trained reviewer and is conducted within a supportive and prayerful context. MDR is episcopal led, with the bishop responsible for ensuring that provision is made for all clergy. It is intended to be developmental rather than managerial, offering a reflective process grounded in trust and openness rather than formal appraisal.

The review process enables ministers to reflect on the context in which they serve, the relationships they sustain, and the exercise of their gifts and responsibilities. It provides an opportunity to consider personal wellbeing, patterns of ministry, and the changing demands of the role. MDR encourages both affirmation and challenge. It seeks to recognise good practice, while also identifying areas for growth and future development.

All clergy are required to participate in MDR, particularly those serving under common tenure, for whom it forms part of the conditions of service. Participation reflects a commitment to accountability, learning, and ongoing development within ministry.

Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD)

Continuing Ministerial Development is the ongoing process of formation and learning that sustains and develops ministry over time. All those engaged in ministry are expected to take part in lifelong learning as an integral part of their vocation.

CMD recognises that ministry evolves in response to experience, context, and calling. It supports ministers in deepening their theological understanding, strengthening practical skills, and growing in confidence and resilience. Continuing development may take a variety of forms, including formal study, training courses, retreats, peer learning, and personal reflection. Through these opportunities, ministers are equipped to respond effectively to new challenges and to sustain their roles over time. CMD encourages an initiative-taking and reflective approach to learning, rooted in prayer and a desire for faithful service. Responsibility for engaging in CMD rests primarily with the individual minister, who is encouraged to identify development needs and seek appropriate opportunities for growth. The Diocese supports this process by providing resources, training, and guidance.

The Relationship between MDR and CMD

MDR and CMD are closely interconnected and should be understood as complementary aspects of ministerial formation.The MDR conversation provides a structured opportunity to reflect on ministry and to discern areas for growth. These insights then inform engagement with CMD, shaping the learning and development priorities of the minister.

In this way, MDR provides reflection and direction, while CMD provides the means of development and growth. Together, they form a coherent and integrated framework for sustaining ministry.

Supporting Wellbeing and Sustainable Ministry

Both MDR and CMD contribute to the wellbeing and sustainability of ministry. By encouraging reflection, providing support, and promoting ongoing learning, they help ministers to maintain balance, resilience, and clarity of purpose. They also reinforce the shared responsibility of the Church to care for those in ministry, ensuring that clergy are supported in both their personal wellbeing and their professional development.

Ministry Development Review and Continuing Ministerial Development together provide a vital framework for the support, accountability, and growth of clergy. Through reflection, discernment, and ongoing learning, ministers are enabled to develop their gifts, respond to changing contexts, and continue faithfully in their calling.