Ministerial Development Review

Ministerial Development Review (MDR), is an aspect of the Bishop of Liverpool's episcopal oversight in keeping with the guidelines of the Church of England.

This page gives you information about an MDR with 

 

The purpose of a Ministerial Development Review (MDR) is to: 
 

 enable clergy to flourish in their ministry, personally and professionally  
• equip them for ministry in our diocese of Liverpool  
• help clergy reflect on their ministry, their priorities and their role 
• ensure others in their local context understand the clergy role.

MDR is an annual process undertaken by all clergy in the Diocese, for all are united in the same call to service. However, the process is flexible to accommodate the different contexts in which clergy minister, and the different responsibilities they bear.

MDR is not an appraisal system for clergy, nor is it a mechanism for bringing in targets for parishes. Its purpose is solely to help clergy develop in their ministry and to foster a greater sense of collaboration between clergy and those they serve alongside.

MDR overview

At the heart of MDR is a conversation between the clergy person and an appointed Bishop’s Reviewer.

This conversation is confidential, and should be wide-ranging, honest and searching.

The guiding text for this conversation is the Ordinal, contextualised by our diocesan vision for a bigger church making a bigger difference more people knowing Jesus, more justice in the world. Our prayers and plans to realise this vision centre on ‘five numbers’ to:

  • bring one friend
  • do ten things
  • plant a hundred new congregations
  • grow a thousand new leaders and
  • build ten thousand disciples.

As disciples we commit to a Rule of Life, with an inner journey to Pray, Read and Learn and an outer journey to Tell, Serve and Give. Find out more at www.ruleoflife.org.uk 

In preparation for the review, a ‘listening to those we are called to serve’ exercise will be undertaken. This involves a number of people, both within and outside of the church, who encounter the clergy person’s ministry being asked to comment on it. This listening exercise provides an opportunity for encouragements to be heard, and for the clergy person’s own perceptions to be balanced. The listening exercise will also allow for the voice of the wider church to be heard, such as the clergy person’s contribution to the Deanery Mission Plan and to any diocesan roles.

During the review, a number of objectives for the clergy person are identified, which might equally be personal developments or ministry-focused. Any further training opportunities or needs are also noted. These objectives are shared with those with whom the clergy person works - for example for parish clergy the Area Dean and PCC - to foster understanding and support for the clergy person in achieving these objectives. The Lifelong Learning department will also support, as appropriate, the identified training opportunities.

The summary of the review conversation, written up by the clergy person themselves, will be confidential to the clergy person, Bishop’s Reviewer, the Bishop of Liverpool, and the Bishop of Warrington.

Useful Downloads

MDR Bishop's Reviewer Handbook 2023

MDR Reviewee Handbook 2023

MDR Clergy Summary and Preparation Doc 2023

MDR Listening Exercise Feedback 2023



For more information about Ministerial Development Review

Contact bishopslodge@liverpool.anglican.org

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