Bishops Mission Orders

Purpose and scope The three-stage process: –Exploration –Consultation –Action Accompaniment and review

The key documents The DPM Measure The House of Bishops Code of Practice Advisory material: –Beginners guide –Share ( –Skeleton orders

Purpose and scope To affirm, enable, encourage and support a new mission initiative within the overall ordering of the life of the church. Synodical involvement, recognition, clear oversight and integration in diocesan life.

When are they needed? When a mission initiative aims to establish a new community (a fresh expression of church) When a number of parishes or ecumenical partners are involved Code of Practice a helpful guide for local situations

Examples A network congregation for young adults in a deanery A collaboration between two parishes and a circuit in a new housing area A language-based congregation serving a large town

A three-stage process Stage 1: Making the proposal and initial explorations Stage 2: Consultation and drafting the Order Stage 3: Making the Order and review Stage 1 Making the Proposal and Initial Explorations Stage 2 Consultation and Drafting the Order Stage 3 Making the Order and Review

Stage 1 – the proposal BMOs are made by bishops The bishop and/or local leaders can initiate The bishop normally appoints an officer Stage 1 Making the Proposal and Initial Explorations

Stage 1 – initial questions 1.Nature and scope of the proposal 2.Originating parties? 3.How will it further the mission of the church? 4.Ecumenical partners 5.Why is a BMO required? Stage 1 Making the Proposal and Initial Explorations

Stage 1 – further questions 6.How will it fit? 7.Resources and partnerships 8.Formal consultation 9.Mission accompaniment? 10.Provision of ministry 11.Sustainability 12.Special circumstances Stage 1 Making the Proposal and Initial Explorations

Stage 2 - consultation Other churches/religious organisations as [the bishop] thinks fit Those with significant interest Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee Leaders of the planned initiative Stage 2 Consultation and Drafting the Order

Stage 2 – why is ministry without consent needed? Future continuity (change of incumbent) Large geographical area, preventing unreasonable veto Incumbent unwilling but bishop satisfied it is right to override this Stage 2 Consultation and Drafting the Order

Stage 2 – ministry without consent consultation Few parishes: the incumbent(s) Deanery: Deanery Synod House of Clergy Diocese: Diocesan Synod House of Clergy Stage 2 Consultation and Drafting the Order

Stage 2 – decision Decision must make clear: objectives and areas of work leaders and their role provision for sacramental worship duration of the BMO (up to 5 years initially) Stage 2 Consultation and Drafting the Order

Stage 3 - visitor The bishop appoints a visitor to: –oversee the initiative –report back and ensure open communication –review the initiative regularly and near the BMOs end Stage 3 Making the Order and Review

Stage 3 - accompaniment Visitor ensures suitable mission accompaniment for the initiative. A person or people who will walk with them as supportive and critical friends, both encouraging and challenging their development. Stage 3 Making the Order and Review

Stage 3 – review scope Should the initiative continue? Should the BMO be renewed, or replaced by other legal provision? Should there be formal changes to the BMO? Are there particular aspects of work that need addressing? Stage 3 Making the Order and Review

Stage 3 – review outcome Renewal for finite period Renewal pending alternative future Replacement by other legal basis Termination Indefinite renewal Stage 3 Making the Order and Review

Is it worth it? Testing a call Owning the vision Securing continuity Providing accountability Patience needed Stage 1 Making the Proposal and Initial Explorations Stage 2 Consultation and Drafting the Order Stage 3 Making the Order and Review

Any questions?