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Last updated 30th January 2025

CME and sabbaticals

Overview: Continuing Ministerial Education for Clergy, (CME)

Here in Blackburn Diocese the wellbeing of our clergy is a top priority.

We believe we have some of the most enthusiastic, passionate and Spirit filled, mission-orientated clergy in the country, results of which can be seen in the Diocesan growth of new disciples and growing churches; bucking the national trend.

However, we are also aware of the toll that church leadership can take, so our aim is to support clergy to find a ministry that is life-giving and sustainable in the long-term.

Clergy are crucial to the health of the Church at worship, in mission and in pastoral care, but they can only be that person when fully rested and refreshed themselves.

Therefore we are proud of the CME offering we have for our clergy, which is broadly split into four areas:

Retreats and Sabbaticals

Each stipendiary clergy person takes part in an eight year cycle of retreat and sabbatical as follows:

  • Year 1 – Clergy organised individual retreat, up to one week.
  • Year 2 – Clergy organised individual retreat, up to one week if possible and a Diocesan organised 24 hr retreat led by Bishop or Archdeacon (over one night away)
  • Year 3 - Clergy organised individual retreat, up to one week.
  • Year 4 – Clergy organised individual retreat, up to one week and a one month sabbatical, or Diocesan organised 24 hr retreat led by Bishop or Archdeacon (over one night away)
  • Year 6 – Clergy organised individual retreat, up to one week if possible and a Diocesan organised 24 hr retreat led by Bishop or Archdeacon (over one night away)
  • Year 8 – Two month sabbatical, or three month sabbatical for those who did not take a month sabbatical in year 4

Sabbaticals and retreats should not be taken during Advent and Christmas or Holy Week and Easter. To arrange a Sabbatical please complete this form and return to clergytraining@blackburn.anglican.org

The following 24-hour retreats are available to book:

For all enquiries, including which year a clergyperson is currently on, please email: clergytraining@blackburn.anglican.org

Clergy Study Mornings

There is a Diocesan-organised study morning each year structured around Vision 2026 with excellent speakers and a good lunch after Eucharist to round the event off!

With a combination of theoretical and practical theology the mornings (several date options are always given) are always well attended and well-received.

Details of upcoming events are sent out in the last quarter of each year.

Emmanuel College

Blackburn Diocese has partnered with Emmanuel Theological College to offer clergy a superb package of educational benefits.

Clergy have access to a range of theological learning resources to nurture and nourish ongoing spiritual and theological development through a combination of Emmanuel’s virtual learning environment and direct input from Emmanuel Theological College staff team. There are termly electronic updates and a mixture of online and in-person study events each year including ... 

  • Two Emmanuel-led ‘Theology Bitesize’ study mornings per year, focusing on topics in theology, biblical studies, mission, spirituality, ecclesiology, and ethics.
  • One Study Day per year, focusing on topics relevant to ministry, mission, and leadership formation today, led by Emmanuel Theological College staff and from time to time working with colleagues from trusted partner organizations.
  • Full access to Durham Common Awards Learning Resource Hub containing over 22,000 books and journal articles on theology, biblical studies, spirituality, and discipleship.
  • Access to the St John’s Theological Timeline which is a series of interactive video interviews with leading scholars covering topics in biblical studies, theology, philosophy, and ethics.
  • Three ‘Theology4Ministry’ e-briefings per year, with expert input on relevant topics in theology and highlighting latest developments in theology, biblical studies, mission, spirituality, ecclesiology, and ethics.

In order to access this support visit: Other Resources: Blackburn Clergy CME Dashboard (commonawards.org) The password and log-in details are automatically sent to all clergy, however if you need a reminder please email clergytraining@blackburn.anglican.org

Education Grants

Education grants are available to support individual courses of study as part of a strategy for professional development for the clergy concerned and after discussion at the annual conversation.

  • Applications should be made on this form (returning it by email is fine) with as much detail as possible. They will be approved in line with national guidelines provided funds are available in the budget. Please ask for advice, especially if your parish has Parish Share arrears.
  • £170 is available towards the costs of conferences/training courses.
  • These arrangements will apply to all licensed clergy, except those involved in IME Phase 2, who are supported separately, and those in posts with separate arrangements for in-service training (eg hospital and prison chaplains).

Any other queries about clergy training grants please email the Director of Ministry, Rev Canon Anne Beverley, anne.beverley@blackburn.anglican.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page last updated by Ronnie Semley, January 2025

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