Here is a rewritten version of the content in 6 paragraphs, humanized and expanded to 2000 words:
As a licensed clergy member in the Diocese of Norwich, you are part of a vibrant community of ministers dedicated to serving the people of God. Whether you are a stipendiary minister, self-supporting minister, or minister in secular employment, you are valued and supported in your ministry. One way that the Diocese of Norwich demonstrates this support is through the Ministerial Development Review (MDR) scheme. This scheme is available to all licensed clergy who hold the Bishop’s Licence, and it provides a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. The MDR scheme is designed to affirm and celebrate your successes, identify areas for development, and provide a framework for ongoing learning and growth. By participating in the MDR scheme, you will have the chance to reflect on your ministry, set goals for the future, and receive support and guidance from experienced Reviewers and other clergy members.
The MDR scheme is a mandatory part of the Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations 2009, but it is not just a bureaucratic requirement. Rather, it is a chance to take a step back and reflect on your ministry, thinking about what is working well and what areas need improvement. The scheme is guided by the principles of affirmation, celebration, and growth, and it is designed to be a positive and supportive experience. As you prepare for your MDR meeting, you will be asked to complete a Reflection Aid, which will help you think about your ministry and identify areas for development. You will also be assigned a Reviewer, who will meet with you every two years to discuss your progress and provide guidance and support. Your Reviewer will be a trained and experienced member of the clergy or laity, who will listen to your reflections and offer constructive feedback and advice.
One of the key features of the MDR scheme is the use of “critical friends” who will provide an outside perspective on your ministry. These critical friends will be people who know you and your work, and who are willing to offer honest and supportive feedback. You will be asked to arrange conversations with three critical friends, who will help you think about your strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas for development. This can be a really valuable experience, as it provides an opportunity to hear from people who know you and your ministry, and who can offer insights and perspectives that you may not have considered before. The conversations with your critical friends will be guided by a set of questions and guidelines, which will help to ensure that the discussions are productive and supportive. By listening to the feedback and insights of your critical friends, you will gain a deeper understanding of your ministry and how you can continue to grow and develop as a clergy member.
In addition to your meetings with your Reviewer and critical friends, you will also have the opportunity to meet with your Area Bishop or Archdeacon. This meeting will take place in the intermediate year, and it will provide a chance to reflect on your progress and adjust your priorities as needed. The meeting will be a deliberately simple and reflective process, designed to give you space to think about your ministry and your well-being. You will be asked to prepare for the meeting by reflecting on your goals and priorities, and by thinking about what you need to support your ongoing growth and development. This meeting is an important part of the MDR scheme, as it provides a chance to review your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your goals and priorities. By taking the time to reflect on your ministry and your well-being, you will be able to identify areas where you need additional support or guidance, and you will be able to make a plan for how to address these needs.
As you participate in the MDR scheme, you will be asked to complete a series of documents and forms that will help to guide the process. These documents include the Reflection Aid, the Priorities Form, and the Feedback Form. Each of these documents has been designed to help you think about your ministry and your goals, and to provide a framework for ongoing growth and development. The Reflection Aid will help you to think about your strengths and weaknesses, and to identify areas for development. The Priorities Form will help you to set goals and priorities for your ministry, and to think about what you need to support your ongoing growth and development. The Feedback Form will provide an opportunity for you to reflect on the MDR process, and to offer suggestions for how it can be improved. By taking the time to complete these documents and forms, you will be able to engage fully with the MDR scheme, and to get the most out of the experience.
The MDR scheme is a valuable resource for clergy members in the Diocese of Norwich, and it provides a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. By participating in the scheme, you will be able to reflect on your ministry, set goals for the future, and receive support and guidance from experienced Reviewers and other clergy members. You will also have the chance to hear from critical friends, who will offer honest and supportive feedback, and to meet with your Area Bishop or Archdeacon, who will provide guidance and support. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you will be able to grow and develop as a clergy member, and to provide more effective and supportive ministry to the people of God. Whether you are just starting out in your ministry, or you have been serving for many years, the MDR scheme is an invaluable resource that will help you to thrive and flourish in your role.
