The Nottingham and Derby District believes that we are all called by God to follow Christ and serve others.
Part of our role is to support those in our churches and circuits in their discernment and service by encouraging, enabling and equipping them in their ministry, both ordained and vocational.
Please click on the heading for more information.
Sabbaticals
Sabbaticals are provided to presbyters and deacons so that they can do something different which will inform and even re-enthuse their ministry. For Methodist ministers, sabbaticals are compulsory and are to be taken in the 7th and every subsequent 7th year of ministry.
Ministers are contacted by the District Sabbaticals Secretary in the year before they are entitled to take one. Information is provided in the initial pack given to ministers, including advice on money and expenses and guidelines on setting up a local support group. It is up to the minister to submit proposals for the timings and content of his/her sabbatical to the Sabbaticals Advisory Group which has the task of agreeing them and recommending them to the Synod for approval.
Further information is available from the Sabbaticals Secretary, Revd Dr Stuart Bell
Information is also available below for download:
Ministerial Development Review
Ministerial Development Review (MDR) is a scheme that supports presbyters and deacons in their ministry and mission within the Church. It is rooted in the covenant relationship between the Conference and its ordained ministers, and it provides an opportunity for structured reflection on ministry within individual contexts.
MDR involves an annual review meeting where each minister is supported by a lay contributor and an ordained contributor as they review their work and receive feedback from local church members and circuit post holders. MDR is not a form of line management, but a process of reflective practice. For more information, please visit the Methodist website.
Pastoral Supervision
Supervision in the Methodist Church is an exploratory and reflective process for all ordained ministers and is facilitated by a trained, resourced and approved supervisor, enabling them to reflect on their vocation and practice. Others with significant pastoral responsibility are also encouraged to be in supervision. This is a different process to one that people may have experienced in other walks of life and is different from line management or assessment. Instead, it is an accompanied process of reflection on ministry and a supportive one which provides ministers with the space and opportunity to reflect on their mission and ministry as part of a culture of prayer, accountability, support and safety.