The Living Ministry project is a ten-year programme by the Church of
England to better understand what enables clergy – stipendiary,
self-supporting and chaplains – to flourish, both in terms of personal
wellbeing and effectiveness in their role. This booklet is the result of
inviting clergy to reflect on their vocation and ministry experience in
five areas:
• Calling to priesthood
• Institutional identity
• Shape of ministry
• Places and posts
• Tasks of ministry
Drawing on this research, How Clergy Thrive offers significant insights
into the factors that allow priestly ministry to flourish, the pressures
and challenges that hinder it, and the training programmes that will be
needed for the future.
It gives an accurate portrayal of lived clergy experience in the Church
of England today that will be essential reading for all involved in
clergy selection,training and support, and will give priests invaluable
insights into the dynamics of their work.