Extended Ministerial Development Leave
Introduction
All licensed and beneficed clergy may apply for a three month period of study leave ten years after the end of curacy (and every ten years thereafter). Study leave will not normally be granted within the first two years of a new appointment, or within two years of expected retirement.
Although this is sometimes referred to as ‘sabbatical’, the correct term in the Diocese of Portsmouth is Extended Ministerial Development Leave.
Purpose
Extended Ministerial Development Leave is offered to encourage clergy in developing their ministry and continuing in life-long learning; it is seen as an opportunity to stand back from day-to-day ministry and reflect. A specific goal for the period of study leave will be identified. However, there is also an expectation that clergy will take rest and relaxation seriously during their period of leave.
It is expected that clergy will spend at least half, and usually two-thirds, of their time pursuing their agreed goal – and therefore at least a third in rest and relaxation.
Process
To qualify for EMDL clergy will need to have the approval of their Archdeacon and they will agree a programme with the Director of Ministry and Discipleship or the Lead for Revive. Detailed discussions will take place with regards to the programme, which will be submitted in good time before the leave starts.
Planning
The key to a successful and enjoyable period of study leave will be effective planning. Your DMD of LfR will expect to assist you in this process and it is important, wherever possible, to begin planning at least a year before hand.
Outcome
A report, paper, or agreed equivalent, arising from the study leave, will be submitted to the MDM or LfR on returning from study leave. This will then be forwarded to the Bishop.
Cover
Incumbents are responsible for arranging cover during their absence from the parish, in consultation with their Area Dean.
Financial matters
A bursary is available from Diocesan funds for each approved study leave. The amount of this bursary will be negotiated with the MDM of LfR up to a maximum of £1,500, and it will depend upon the submission of an agreed budget.
In addition to the bursary from the Diocese, funding may be sought from other sources.
The MDM or LfR is also willing to write to an Incumbent’s PCC suggesting that they may wish to assist financially.
Some additional funding sources
- Women’s CME Trust
The aim of the Women’s CME Trust is to further the Continuing Ministerial Education of women in the Church of England and the Scottish Episcopal Church by means of grants to ordained women, female Accredited Lay Workers and religious sisters.- Further details are available from the Church of England website.
- Ecclesiastical Insurance Group
EIG run a competitive Ministry Bursary Scheme for clergy across the country. For further information contact EIG: - The Fellowship of St John Trust associationProvide funding for UK clergy undertaking approved sabbaticals.
Some top tips
- Do one or two things well, rather than trying to cram in lots of bits
- Leave space rather than trying to fill every day (three months seems a long time, but goes very quickly!)
- Plan a full week in your diary without appointments leading up to your study leave in order to clear your desk
- Set your email out-of-office assistant to say that all emails will be deleted unread – and do just that! Set up a separate email account for family and friends
- Consider a supervisor or mentor to accompany you on the study leave