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Developing understanding, skills, and spiritual life are essential aspects of ministry. For those in both licensed lay and ordained roles, Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD) is essential to mission and discipleship. Lifelong learning is a responsibility we each carry.
CMD supports ministers in their growth and development, helping them engage more fully with God’s mission. It includes:
- Learning through reading, training, conferences, and seminars
- Looking after personal well-being, focusing on physical, emotional, and relational health
- Mentoring, pastoral supervision, and coaching
- Building connections with fellow ministers and the wider church community
- Reflecting on ministry strengths and areas for improvement
- Participating in courses and training opportunities
- Taking ministerial development leave
- Engaging in transition courses
- Utilising personal allowances for training
- Attending Diocesan CMD days
- Engaging in learning programs, such as study mornings and residential conferences
CMD Days
Each year the Bishop of Manchester invites clergy and Readers to Diocesan CMD Days, run over a Sunday and Monday and/or Archdeaconry Formation Days. All are welcome, but stipendiary clergy are expected to attend these.
Save the date for upcoming CMD Days:
- 5th and 6th October 2025
Clergy Conference
The diocese runs a major conference for all clergy every three years. The next clergy conference will be on 15th-17th June 2026.
First Incumbency Training – First Base
First Base is an online programme, mostly facilitated via Zoom, to support first incumbents. The core programme comprises four morning sessions; there will also be a small number of one-hour sessions on specific themes, all via Zoom and some may be recorded for access at any time. Run over one year, First Base is a partnership between the dioceses of Liverpool, Manchester and Chester and is overseen and in part facilitated by the Archdeacons. There is an expectation that all first incumbents will attend the programme and stay for the entirety of each session.
The focus of this training is primarily on the practical issues around incumbency: legal requirements, diocesan processes, policies, procedures and good practice. All sessions except for one are held on Zoom. The exception is a face-to-face day each July to explore the resilience, well-being and spirituality that is essential to flourishing in ministry. Find further course details below.
CMD Grants
Information on CMD Grants is available here.