Last updated 10th September 2024
In the Church of England, Initial Ministerial Education (IME) takes place over a period of up to seven years and is divided into two parts:
IME Phase 1 is the period of up to three years when ordinands are trained at their theological college or course (context-based or part-time). There is a mixture of academic learning and practical placements.
IME Phase 2 is the period of curacy. Newly-ordained ministers (both deacons and priests) serve a ‘title’ as a curate for a period of up to four years. A curacy is a training post and there are several strands to this training.
The dates for IME2 training (covering September 2024 - July 2025) are available here.
A blank copy of the ministry agreement between Curate and Training Incumbent is available here.
The forms used for placements are this working agreement document available here, and this end of placement report form available here.
The end of year one Training Incumbent questionnaire is available here.
THE BROAD SHAPE
There will be two strands to the IME2 Programme.
Strand 1 will be compulsory and unaccredited. It will focus on practical training which equips curates for leadership roles and supports their priestly formation. The programme will be agreed and delivered locally.
Strand 2 will be optional. It will allow for those who would like a greater degree of academic input or who want to complete a degree to have space and funding for an accredited course such as an MA.
THE ELEMENTS OF STRAND 1
1. An Annual Theme
Each year IME 2 will focus on one of the three themes drawn from Vision 2026.
This content will be delivered in the following ways:
The Bishop of Burnley and the Start of Ministry Officers will work closely with a small group of curates/first incumbents to devise the programme for each year.
2. Three Practical Projects
3. Additional Components
Additional days and activities will be put on from time to time or as requested by Curates and Training Incumbents.
There is a document available with the expectations of a Training Incumbent outlined.
For further information contact our Start of Ministry Officers:
-Rev Jon Price jon.price@blackburn.anglican.org
-Rev Helen Scamman helen.scamman@blackburn.anglican.org