Growing leaders is one of our seven Areas of Focus. This means that it is our priority to help ordained and lay leaders develop and be fruitful at every stage of their ministry, from the beginning to the end; through the difficult seasons and the easier times.
Revd Kate Byrom, the diocesan Head of Ministerial Development and Wellbeing, is available to support you in your ministry, along with many other teams and individuals. Our goal is to ensure that you have the time, space and resources to care for yourself and grow ministerially, even as you give your time and energy for others. abuse.
If you are a member of the Church of England and you have experienced abuse outside of the church context and would like support, this page may still be helpful, and we may still be able to signpost you to appropriate support services.
Our vision for ministry
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ” John 15:1
Jesus’ image of the vine is a helpful way for us to think about licensed ministry in the Church of England.
Rooted
A healthy vine starts with deep roots, which are the everyday rhythms of a life of discipleship that others may never see. Prayer, Bible reading, worship and rest ensure that your ministry is rooted in a relationship with Christ.
Connected
Like the many branches of a vine, our connections to other people help to keep us healthy and make space for more fruit. There is support at a diocesan level across development, wellbeing, and governance, in addition to your own support network of friends and family.
Fruitful
As Jesus said, it is to his Father’s glory that healthy vines bear much fruit. We offer resources, training courses and other development opportunities to help your ministry bear fruit and to vary the fruit that it can produce.
Celebrated
Just as the fruit of the vine is pressed into wine for feasts and celebrations, so too should all of our clergy and lay leaders feel celebrated and loved. We are thankful to God for you and it is our privilege to come alongside you and help you to enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Support in every season
Begginings
New roles and projects are full of potential. We are here to help you get started in any new ventures and to find fruitful paths forward where you and those you serve can flourish.
Middles
When the time comes to leave a ministry to make a step up, or to step away from licensed roles, we want to help make transitions and endings as smooth as possible.
Muddles
Every life of ministry will have seasons of difficulty. It is vital that you know the diocesan team is here to support you. Whatever challenges you’re facing, please do reach out.
Endings
Much of your ministry journey will be spent in the middle. It is here that we can help you to identify new opportunities for growth and ensure that your wellbeing is sustained.
Development & wellbeing resources
Cultivating a goodness culture
Just as a healthy plant can’t flourish in an airing cupboard, so do we need the light and air of a culture of wellbeing across the diocese. The following teams and individuals support this positive culture in different ways. All of them would be happy to hear from you to discuss how their expertise could benefit your context.
Head of Ministerial Development & Wellbeing
Kate Byrom
Supporting leaders in all areas of wellbeing and development.
Lead for Enhancing Diversity
Donna-Marie Griffiths
Advising churches on how to reflect our communities better.
Disability Advisor
Pete Edwards
Advising churches on how to better include people with disabilities
Healing & Deliverance Team
Bishop of Sherwood’s Office
Support for churches where deliverance ministry may be required
Partnerships Officer
Liam O’Boyle
Representing the diocese in areas of justice and social action
Chaplaincy
Jo Tatum, Workplace Chaplain & Dean of Women’s Ministry
Pastoral care across our prisons, hospitals, armed forces, other workplaces and elsewhere