Local Ministry Teams
The formal Local Ministry Scheme provides a framework for establishing a mandated Local Ministry Team (LMT). There are currently ten formally mandated Local Ministry Teams in the Diocese.
How to Become a Mandated LMT
The following is a brief outline. Full details of this can be found in:
A parish or benefice considering the route of formal mandate first explores the idea with the Parish Development Officer, who perhaps talks with the clergy, the PCC or wider church to see what form of local ministry might be best for their situation. If the route of LMT seems right, there is a programme of learning and growing together. This is not restricted simply to those who may be on the LMT – indeed, the process of discerning who should become a Team member may continue through the initial training programme.
The training takes place both before and after mandating (spread over up to two years) and is discussed and agreed with the Parish Development Officer. It usually involves completing part of the ‘Growing Together in Christ’ course or elements of the ‘Growing Together in Christ’s Mission’ course before mandating, and completing the course after mandate. This aspect of the training gives participants an opportunity to explore further aspects of the Christian faith and ministry. It is important that those exercising public ministry have a broad basic knowledge of the Christian faith which they represent. Once the members of the LMT have been decided, there is also a three session ‘Team Building’ course when the members can begin to plan in more detail how the Team will work. After mandating, LMT members undertake skills training, again in discussion with the Parish Development Officer and the Team’s consultant.
The service of mandating is the time when the whole parish or benefice can acknowledge and pray for the new Team. Members of the Deanery are invited and the Parish Development Officer usually preaches. The Team receives its mandate, signed by the Bishop, and there is a notice of the Team’s existence for every church porch – a public sign of the commitment to local shared ministry.
Teams are mandated initially for between 3 and 6 years, after which they may consider re-mandating.
LMT Consultants
Every Local Ministry Team works with a consultant. Consultants are people who have expertise and experience of working with groups and developing teams, usually from their ‘secular’ employment. The consultants meet together 3 or 4 times a year with the Parish Development Officer to discuss their role, the work of their LMTs and for mutual support. Most consultants have one, or occasionally two, LMTs.
A consultant is asked by the Parish Development Officer to work with a Team as it prepares for mandate. They bring insight and wisdom to the Team Building phase of preparation, and then continue to meet with the Team after mandate. Teams may meet on a monthly basis, but a consultant will not necessarily be at all meetings. A team might ask them to come for a particular reason – perhaps to plan further training or to discuss their ideas for the future. A consultant always helps the Team with its annual Review, which is then sent in to the Parish Development Officer. The Review gives the Team an opportunity to reflect on what it has achieved and future priorities.
If you would like to become an LMT consultant, please contact Jeanette Gosney, the Parish Development Officer, by email or telephone 01727 818141. The role is voluntary, but travel expenses are paid.
Support for LMTs
Local Ministry Teams are encouraged to continue to undertake training after mandate. Some do this as whole teams, others find it more helpful for individual members to develop particular skills and knowledge corresponding to their role and gifts. The Parish Development Officer is always willing to help LMTs to find training opportunities if they are not currently available through the Diocesan Learning for Discipleship Programme.
Training and support is available to Local Ministry Teams and those thinking of becoming an LMT.
In 2012 there will be Local Ministry Conference to be held on Saturday May 19th at St Nicholas Parish Centre, Harpenden on the theme of "Better Together: the Why and How of Working in Teams". The keynote speaker will be Revd Canon John Kiddle, Diocesan Director of Mission, followed by training workshops on different aspects of working in teams.
A Local Ministry Training Day will be held on Saturday November 10th at Knebworth Parish Centre, on the theme of "Older People" — both ministry to this generation and making the most of their gifts. For details of these events, please contact the Parish Development Office by email or telephone 01727 818141.
Local Ministry Teams also receive ‘Local Ministry Update’ two or three times a year to keep them up to date with current events in the Diocese and news from other LMTS.
