Church of England Ministry in the South-West Peninsular: Gaps and Priorities

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper reports on how 92 parochial incumbents, 80 assistant clergy, and 94 Readers in the dioceses of Exeter and Truro rated the importance of various tasks in their ministries, how well they felt equipped to do those tasks, and their priorities for ministry and training. Preaching, leading worship, and pastoral care were rated as most important, while management and administration, talking about giving and raising money, and speaking up on local issues were rated as least important. The largest gaps between importance of a task and being equipped for it were supporting personal wellbeing for incumbents, equipping disciples for assistant clergy, and bringing others to faith for Readers. Top ministry priorities were equipping lay ministries, team working, and supporting evangelists; lowest priorities were remaining faithful to received traditions, maintaining the parish system, and developing digital ministries.