Ministerial Development Review (MDR) for Archdeacons

The Ministerial Development Review (MDR) will facilitate a guided discussion framed around the archdeacon’s ministry. The purpose of the review is to look back and reflect on what has happened over the last 12-18 months of ministry and, informed by that, to plan, anticipate, and develop a clearer vision for what lies ahead. In looking back there is an opportunity to acknowledge all there is to be thankful for and anything that is a matter for lament. In looking forward there is an opportunity to anticipate the changing demands of the role, identify future objectives, and establish areas for potential development.

MDR is founded in the assumption that all ministers are responsible to God for the ministry entrusted to them and that they are accountable to the Church and to one another for the way in which it is exercised. Accountability includes a preparedness to grow and develop on the basis of experience and the learning gained from it. It is about affirmation and encouragement, as well as challenge, and includes an agreement for a plan for personal ministerial growth and development.

The MDR seeks to encourage ministers to revisit the promises made at ordination to “be diligent in prayer, to study the Holy Scriptures, and to equip yourself for ministry in the Church” and to reflect on the relevance of these promises in their current ministerial practice and context. It will be carried out not less than every eighteen months and is designed to encourage:

• an ongoing process of reflection and learning based on support, scrutiny, affirmation, and accountability
• a culture of life-long learning and ministerial development
• reflection on ministerial practice
• the setting of challenging, yet achievable, objectives

If you have any questions about the details below, please contact Revd Canon Dr Trystan Owain Hughes, Director of Ministry Development

The MDR for Archdeacons booklet explains the process clearly and gives a step-by-step guide to the process. Please read the booklet carefully – Booklet for Archdeacons

The forms necessary for the MDR are:

Form for choosing reviewer (appendix 1 in booklet) can be found below:

Appendix 1 - Form for choosing reviewer - MDR for Archdeacons

MDR for Archdeacons Form (appendix 2 in booklet) can be found below:

Appendix 2 - MDR Form for Archdeacons