Selection and Training for Ministry

The articles and booklets listed have been written by Reform members or are based on talks given at a Reform conference. The views expressed are not necessarily the 'Reform position' on a particular issue. Discussion papers are written by individual members for the council of Reform and the wider church. The author alone is responsible for the paper. All the papers may be copied freely.

  1. Applying for posts in the Church of England Hugh Balfour (2008)
    This booklet offers guidance on understanding your own strengths and weaknesses, investigating whether a post could suit you, and the application and interview process (particularly for non-evangelical parishes). It will be of interest to all church members, not just the candidates, to raise their awareness about the issues surrounding appointments in the Church of England and help them support potential applicants.

  2. Panel of Reference application form (2007) (pdf), for candidates for ministry wishing to receive advice from the Panel of Reference. Explains how the scheme works and gives a recommended reading list.

  3. Panel of Reference Paper Mark Burkill (2005)
    Explains why a panel of reference for ministry candidates is necessary, what the circumstances are in which it would be used, and how it would operate.

  4. Recruitment, Training and Deployment of Ministers in the Church David Holloway (1993)
    David Holloway examines the current problems with the whole area of selection and training for ministry and suggests some courses of action evangelicals could take to improve the situation.  Includes an explanation of the relevant canons and their bearing on this issue.

  5. A little knowledge- The need for reform in Theological Education John Richardson (1993)
    The author’s ideas about theological training underwent a complete change when he went to Moore College in Australia and he found enthusiasm for the gospel and academic excellence go together.  Here he critiques the current state of theological education in the UK by comparing it with that provided at Moore College, and urges the need to plan for change in the training system now.