A Survey on Mentoring, First Incumbency, and the Role of Retired Clergy: Listening to Bishops

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study set out to explore current attitudes and practice of bishops and dioceses of the Church of England concerning the role of retired clergy, with special reference to the role of mentor to clergy serving in their first incumbency. Replies were received from 30 of the 43 diocesan bishops (or those responding on their behalf). The data demonstrated that of the 30 participating dioceses, 26 had experience of using retired clergy as mentors to clergy in their first incumbency, and 25 considered this to be a good idea in principle. The other most frequently named roles for retired clergy within these 30 dioceses were as mentors more generally, as interim ministers in vacant parishes, as rural deans, and as ministry or work consultants. Other roles identified were as reflective practitioner, as worship leader, and as an assistant archdeacon. These summary statistics are illuminated and enriched by qualitative data.