New Posts conference: 31 October - 2 November 2023
Some of the programme for Clergy Ministerial Development training is organised regionally by the Eastern Region Training Partnership and is specifically aimed at those new in post.
Twice a year the dioceses of the Eastern Region (Chelmsford, Ely, Peterborough, St Albans and St Edmundsbury and Ipswich) hold a residential conferences (usually in October and May) for those who have been appointed to incumbency or priest in charge posts in the previous year – whether or not this is the first time in such a role.
The aim of the conference is to help those newly appointed to reflect on what they discover about their new context, to discern opportunities, see how they might approach challenges, and consider how they, and those they lead, can best move forwards.
For those moving straight from a curacy, this conference is best done after the Incumbency Skills course and within a time-scale of twelve to eighteen months into a new role.
The conference includes input in a large group, as well as time in small groups (normally of four) facilitated by a staff member. The regular times of worship, led by staff members, are an integral part of the programme.
The value of the Conference is enhanced by the preparatory work you do beforehand. About six weeks before the event you will receive a ‘Mapping Your New Post’ document. This will help you orientate yourself in your post, as well as better prepare you for the Conference itself.
The New Posts Conference is led and staffed by those with experience of continuing ministerial education and people with experience of church leadership. The event also offers an opportunity for mutual support through informal networking and fellowship.
This is a demanding and rewarding 48 hours, so please keep all three days of the conference free and do not try to squeeze in meetings around them. Aim to arrive by 11.30am on the first day – Tuesday. The conference ends with lunch at 1pm on the third day – Thursday.
The conference is free to you and will be paid for by the diocese.
There is capacity for a total of around 20 delegates across the dioceses at each conference, plus staff members. (The ratio of staff to participants is 1 to 4 or 5).
If you are new to your post, and have not already received information about this conference, please contact missionandministry@elydiocese.org to register your interest in attending this course, or the Venerable Keith James on archdeacon.norwich@dioceseofnorwich.org for more information.