• Guidance is needed on how individual churches, MPBs and Local Ministry Teams (LMTs) relate to each other, especially where some parishes in an MPB choose not to be part of a LMT. This includes recognising and preparing for tensions between single parishes and MPB.
• There is need for a library of examples of MPB good practice for others to draw on. • Preparation for MPB ministry should be part of pre- and post-ordination training.
The Methodist situation:
• Guidance and training is needed for deacons and stewards in how the growing numbers of newly-created and larger circuits work.
• These newly-created larger circuits must ensure they do not marginalise their smaller, rural churches.
• Dedicated training should be provided to encourage and equip lay people for a wider variety of ministry and leadership roles in MCM teams.
• Ministerial training must include explicit content on managing MCM; this is especially the case for large circuits and where ministry teams involve explicit lay leadership.
The URC situation:
• Resources and training are urgently needed to equip lay elders for more MCM. • MCM training should be included at some point during ministerial formation. • Ministers need encouragement and facilitation to share MCM experiences and ideas.
Broader issues of collaboration, teams and training:
• Support and resourcing is needed for clergy responsible for a team or group of churches, especially in relation to enabling others.
• Congregations need better preparation for the creation of larger groups of churches, understanding new clergy roles as team leaders and facilitators of the ministry of others.
• Significantly more leadership and teamwork elements need to be included in both pre- and post-ordination development for clergy.
Information, Guidance and Access • There is a need to share rural knowledge and experience between different church regions (e.g. dioceses) and denominations.
• Signposting and evaluation of key resources and training for rural churches are vital. Page 15 of 111
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