Purpose: To support the development and implementation of the Wessex Synod Strategy, especially as it relates to matters of overseeing and enabling/facilitating the development and deployment of the ministries of the Church and their pastoral support in alignment with that strategy.

In particular

1. To coordinate the work of the Synod Pastoral Committees
2. To develop, propose and implement strategies and policies to support those ministries
3. To oversee the Local Mission & Ministry Review (LMMR) process
4. To oversee the Lay Preaching community
5. To oversee the training and development of all God’s people within the churches of the URC in the Synod
6. To support ecumenical links and partnerships

Glossary of Terms used by the Ministries & Learning Committee

Suggested Resources for Compiling Worship Services

Wessex Synod Procedure for Authorisation of Elders and Lay Preachers as Lay Presidents at the Sacraments – Flowchart

Terms of Settlement documents:

Terms of Settlement Agreement for Non Stipendiary Ministers

Terms of Settlement Agreement for Stipendiary Ministers

Education for Ministry EM1:

Information for prospective EM1 candidates – currently not available

Education for Ministry Forms EM2 / EM3:

G1 Application Form for Education for Ministry EM2 / EM3
R1 Report Form
CS1 Continuing Studies Fund Application form
Please return the forms to the Development Team Administrator at the Synod Office.

Sabbatical information and forms:

G2 Sabbatical Application Forms for Ministers
Sabbatical Planning Form
R2 Sabbatical Report Form
Please return the forms to the Development Team Administrator at the Synod Office.

If your annual or sabbatical leave includes an international experience, you may be eligible for a Belonging to the Word Church Grant (BWC).

BWC Grant application form