Local Ministry

The Local Ministry Scheme was given the support of Diocesan Synod in October 1998 and was revised in 2005. It owed its origins, in part, to some of our Diocesan Goals for 1997 - 2002:

• developing parishes to be more outward looking
• encouraging the sharing of good practice
• increasing growth and understanding and knowledge about the Christian faith and life
• developing Local Ministry Teams

The Scheme offers a variety of opportunities for parishes, Team and Group Ministries, 'clusters' of parishes, deaneries and ecumenical 'groups' to explore ways of working together within their local communities and churches. At the same time it provides resources, support and oversight of training.

Much of the work of the Local Ministry Officer is linked with the diocesan initiative Vision for Action. Here the emphasis is on developing mission and ministry through the whole Body of Christ. Therefore existing and new initiatives developing collaboration is encouraged, whilst the formal Scheme provides a framework for establishing a Local Ministry Team through the following:

1. Exploring local needs and resources
2. Adult Learning and specific training
3. Formal constitution and authorisation

Throughout there is support and encouragement at deanery and diocesan levels.

There are currently eight formally Mandated Local Ministry Teams in the Diocese and more are in the pipe-line

The following material is downloadable:

• 'A Guide to the Local Ministry Scheme in the Diocese of St Albans'
• 'An introduction to the Growing Together in Christ Course'

The following material is available from the Local Ministry Officer at the Ministry Development Office:

• A Step-by-step Guide to Establishing a Formally Constituted Local Ministry Team
• A Manual for Adult Christian Learning and also Training for a Local Ministry Team
• A Practical Guide for those Hosting the Growing Together in Christ Course
• Working with Small Groups: A Manual for Training New House Group Leaders (together with individual workbooks for participants)
• Shaping and Sharing Ministry and Mission: A manual for those preparing to become a Team of Group Ministry, United Benefice, Ecumenical Partnership, or for informal collaboration with other Churches (together with individual workbooks for participants)

All of the above are resources for Vision for Action.