Headlines from A Consultation
held at Weston Patrick, near Basingstoke on Wednesday 18th February 2009
Twenty-four members of the Hampshire Rural Group (HRG), met for this consultation. We are a network of practitioners in rural church ministry in the Dioceses of Portsmouth and Winchester, clergy and lay, meeting under the auspices of the Rural Theology Association. The Group wished to highlight to those involved in pastoral organisation both issues and reflections from their experience in rural benefices in both dioceses. Peter Dyson, rector of the newly formed North Hampshire Downs Benefice reflected on the experience of forming a benefice of twelve churches in eight parishes. Considering the cost borne by multi-parish clergy families, Lucy Kington offered a view of a clergy spouse. From these observations and the discussion they stimulated, we suggest the following points should be borne in mind in rural pastoral reorganisation.
“How far can love be stretched?”
The benefice exists to present and make flesh and word God’s love for the small part of the world which it covers. Any restructuring of its shape and ministry must remain faithful to this basic task. (Cf ‘Turning the Sod’, ACORA 1995, p3). The institution must serve the mission and the pastoral task. Looking at mega-parish benefices, how far can love be stretched – in the discussions, in the process of bringing together? What are our responsibilities towards each other?
1. ‘Minster Model’ Not Appropriate.
2. Sociological Coherence Essential within Benefice.
3. Complex Benefice Histories Need Understanding.
4. Building Mega-Parish benefices Can Damage Relationships.
5. Money Brings out Parish Rivalries.
6. Mega-Parish Priesthood Less Satisfying.
7. Overwhelmed by Administration.
8. Lay Leadership Issues.
9. Define ‘Sustainability’.
10. More Support and Resourcing Needed.
11. The Hidden Cost of Mega-Parish Benefice Ministry Is Borne by Many.
The full notes of the consultation are found here.
If you would like to comment on any of the points made, please click on the word Comments immediately below and a box for you to type in should appear ...
