The reason for drawing up a ministry agreement is to ensure that both Reader and incumbent have a clear idea of what is expected of each other in their future working relationship. The focus is on using the Readers’ gifts and developing them further. New possibilities and opportunities for service should therefore be explored, and the Reader ministry within the context of their daily work should be considered. Although initial Reader training has been completed the Readers’ ministerial education and development must continue, and it is right to determine how this is to be achieved.
The result of the discussions are set down in the Ministry Agreement which sets out the pattern of ministry envisaged; due regard having been made to the role of a Reader, and requirements of family, work, leisure and other interests. This agreement should be reviewed annually.
The Reader, incumbent and the Warden of Readers should each have a copy of the current Ministry Agreement.
Format of Ministry Agreements
The following form shows the headings for the Ministry Agreement. You may find the examples of a completed form (see below) of some assistance, hopefully it will demonstrate the virtue of trying to be concise and precise. This document is available on the diocesan website if you click here
Incumbent/Reader Ministry Agreement – worked example
Reader’s name: Tabitha Teamplayer
Incumbent’s name: Revd Caleb Capable
Parish: Holy Witness, Ritehere
Period: 01 June 2008 – 31 May 2011
General situation and availability
Tabitha has been a Reader in this parish for five years and her contribution to the work and life of the parish is much appreciated. Tabitha a widow whose extensive family live, for the most part, in this locality. Although she has now retired from teaching, she must make time for her family commitments and her spiritual and personal development. She also sees the need to maintain a link between the Church and the world. Generally she is able to adjust her commitments so as to be available on Sundays and at times during the week.
Gifts and enthusiasms
Tabitha’s main interest is in teaching as her career and past experiences in leading youth work, Guides, and Sunday School would suggest. She has a particular enthusiasm for drama and storytelling. She continues to develop her acting and storytelling skills and seeks to apply them to all-age worship, in school assemblies and in outreach events.
Main areas of ministry
· Preaching at an overall frequency of once every six weeks
· Leading services at an overall frequency of once per month
· Leading a team teaching Sunday School once a month
· Taking school assemblies and RE classes on behalf of “Churches together in Ritehere”
· Annually participating in a one-week mission
· Co-ordinating the annual children’s Holiday club
· Sub-warden of Readers for the deanery of Ritehere
Personal and spiritual development
· Maintaining and developing a regular discipline of prayer and Bible study
· Attending Continual Ministry Education (CME) seminars
· Attending at the Readers Conference, and other conferences
· Membership of the local drama club
Future Ministry Possibilities
· Taking a further assessed study course e.g. MA in Church and Society
· Acting as the church representative for Tearfund
· Becoming a school governor
Reviews and supervision
· Meet monthly with incumbent and other readers
· Annual review of ministry agreement with incumbent
· Periodic meetings with members of a support group for prayer and guidance.
Support and expenses
· The parish will reimburse all reasonable ministry expenses as claimed for by the Reader. This will include items for visual aids, ministry resources, etc
· The parish gives an annual book allowance for readers
· The parish will cover the cost of attending the annual Reader’s’ conference
Signatories to agreement
We agree that the above is a satisfactory basis for Tabitha’s ministry as a Reader in the parish for the period 01 June 2008 to 31 May 2011.
Signed …………………………. (Reader) Date ………………………
…………………………. (Incumbent) Date ………………………
Incumbent/Reader Ministry Agreement
Reader’s name:
Incumbent’s name:
Parish:
Period:
General situation and availability
Gifts and enthusiasms
Main areas of ministry
Personal and spiritual development
Future Ministry Possibilities
Reviews and supervision
Support and expenses
Signatories to agreement
We agree that the above is a satisfactory basis for the above named Reader’s ministry as a Reader in the parish for the period stated.
Signed ………………………. (Reader) Date …………
………………………. (Incumbent) Date …………
If you would like to download a copy of the Ministry Agreement Document please click here
