What does Common Fund pay for?  

The common fund contributes towards ministerial costs: clergy stipend, housing, council tax and water rates, remuneration costs, national insurance, pension, training (curates and ongoing CME); safeguarding and wider church responsibilities, including parish support, statutory contributions to the national church and education.

If the Diocese makes any savings could these passed on to parishes in the form of lower Common Fund contributions?  

The diocese is not a profit-making organisation and any investments from savings gets put back to subsidise ministry in our parishes. What is received via Common Fund payments does not equate to the amount it costs to keep the level of clergy and ministerial support that is needed for the ongoing sustainability of the diocese. So, it is not possible to return any contributions.  Each parishes calculation is based on their estimated ability to contribute and all that is received goes straight back to support ministry.

If we cannot pay the suggested amount of CF can we adjust our payments accordingly?

Your payments can be adjusted to reflect what is affordable to you, however, the common fund request will remain the same and we ask that you contribute as much as you can. For assistance in fundraising and stewardship or new ways of giving contact the Finance Team, telephone 01332 388650, finance@derby.anglican.org.

Will we lose our vicar if we cannot afford our Common Fund payments?  

Not necessarily as, within the spirit of the Common Fund, it is through generosity of an affluent parish that allows stipendiary clergy to be placed in less affluent areas. We all share the costs of ministry so there can be a Christian presence in every community.

There is a problem with the formula

We agree that every formula will have its own problems, that no formula will be ‘perfect’ because the complexity of any Diocese cannot be neatly captured in a formula. But the question remains for us as a Diocese: how do we fund our Common Life and live out the Gospel imperative to ‘love our neighbour’?

We should not have to pay for ministry we’re not getting?

Within the Diocese we understand ministry more widely than the Vicar or the Parish Priest in a parish. As we reflected on this question other questions emerged. For example, if we only pay for the ministry we receive how will this affect the life of other ministry that is currently offered in the Diocese eg. Reader Ministry, Self-Supporting Ministry, Safeguarding, DAC?

Our congregations can’t afford it / won’t be persuaded to pay

As we continue to reflect on the new Common Fund, we recognise that for some parishes there will be a difficulty in paying what is asked. But we really do want to live up to the name of ‘Parish Support Office’: we want to support parishes that might find it difficult to contribute to the Common Fund. We have prioritised the work of a number of staff in the ‘Parish Support Office’ to support parishes as the new Common Fund is introduced. They will work with parishes and with deaneries through open conversations and drawing on a variety of resources.

We have abnormal costs

We recognise that the formula cannot capture the complexity of the different parishes in the Diocese. As we journey together as a Diocese in our Common Life we will become more aware of these costs. In listening to parishes and walking with them we hope that we can be imaginative in finding ways to take account of ‘abnormal costs.’

The money is going to churches that are not pulling their weight

This is an important point for clarification. This statement raises all sorts of other questions: Do we want to go down the line of ‘enforcement’ and ‘sanctions?’ How do we encourage people to build God’s Kingdom, to be healthy, outward facing, growing and learning? How do we help parts of our church family find a new life and a new way of ‘being and doing church’? How do we avoid being judgemental about what another church is doing or not doing, particularly if we are not familiar with the particular context of that church?

There needs to be a conversation about the viability of some churches

This is another important point. We are aware that some ‘small’ churches feel they are struggling. And we are aware of the historic, cultural and social importance to the wider community of churches. How do we discern viability? How do we do closures well? How do we celebrate the past, but also mourn the loss of one part of the Diocesan family in the present?

The diocese needs to spend less money and cut staff costs

We recognise that in any financial planning – for business or personally – it is important to balance the budget. Income and expenditure need to be the same; if there is over expenditure in one area then cuts are need to happen in another area. The Diocesan budget reflects the Diocesan priorities for mission and ministry, for our Common Life together as a Diocese. How we spend less money and still achieve the Diocesan priorities for mission and ministry is an important – and challenging – question. How do we decide what we need to keep and what we can do without so that together we can work to achieve the Diocesan vision ‘Christ’s Presence in every community?

>> Our Finances

Thank you once again for your important contributions to our thinking about the Common Fund. As together we continue our journey into the next phase of the Common Fund we pray that together we may hear and listen to one another and that together we pray the Common Fund Prayer:

God our Father,
make us to think more of what we can give to life and less of what we can get out of it.
May we be mindful that we hold our gifts, our talents, our possessions, our life itself,
in trust for you and the service of all people.
Save us from thinking only of our own needs and desires;
and help us to remember that it is more blessed to give than receive,
according to the teaching of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen

Helpful hints when completing your petition - click here

Company Director to Follow his Calling into the Church of England

 The commercial director of a growing manufacturing company is to be ordained Deacon at a special service at Derby Cathedral on 26 June.

David Walker, 46, from Mosborough, Sheffield, will become Assistant Curate to the parishes of Dronfield and Holmesfield Team Ministry and is looking forward to the challenge of nurturing new believers from the business community.

Married to Andrea with three grown up sons, David is Commercial Director at Detectronic Ltd, a manufacturing company that produces equipment to reduce flooding and prevent pollution, but studied Theology at university and is now pursuing his long held religious calling to be ordained as a deacon.

As a self-supporting minister, David will continue in his company role whilst taking on a new identity as a deacon serving in the Derby diocese following three years studying a BA in Theology at the Yorkshire Ministry Course.

David said: “My calling spans many years but taking this next step has not been easy for me as I continually questioned the calling along with many others questioning it for me. After numerous times of running away, I kept finding  myself back investigating the calling further.

“I finally gave in questioning and said “OK GOD you got me”, after which I have had an overwhelming feeling of liberation.

“I would hope and will pray that I am able to bring a person to know Jesus Christ, nurture new believers and transform unjust structures, which is going to be an interesting and somewhat challenging exercise in the aggressive world of Business and Commerce.

“I am most looking forward to proclaiming the Good News and to preach the word of God with an identity of Deacon in the Church of England. For anyone else wishing to take this step, I would say: Be brave, and God will do the rest!”

Along with the other candidates, David will be presented to the Bishop of Derby, The Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern at a public service at Derby Cathedral at 10.45am, Sunday 26 June 2016.

Award Winning Performance Poet to Become a Deacon

An award-winning performance poet is one of the six people to be ordained a Deacon

at a special Petertide service at Derby Cathedral on Sunday 26 June 2016.

Ben Allison, 29, will become the Pioneer Curate, North Wingfield Team Ministry. Originally from Leeds, he will be the third generation in his family to be ordained. His father and grandfather are both still serving in the Leeds Diocese.

Married to Clare for nine years, Ben has a young family of three children; Amos (5), Alethea (3) and Edna (7 months). Currently training at Cranmer Hall, Durham, he will be moving to Derbyshire ahead of his ordination.

A very successful performance poet, Ben has won the Hebden Bridge Festal Slam, Greenbelt Festival Slam and Ted Hughes Festival Slam. He also has autism and dyspraxia and has reflected on his experiences for a church resource book on Disability.

Ben said: “Becoming a deacon means a change a in identity, laying aside my lay identity in order to serve the communities to which I am called in a new and exciting way. I hope to find new ways of doing church which don't just seek to draw those on the edge of my community into existing services and congregations, but rather build church around them.

“I’m most looking forward to finally be able to do what I love full-time: serving my community, and proclaiming the Gospel. It’ll also mean I'll no longer be a northerner! I have to learn how to minister in the strange, alien culture of North Derbyshire.

“To others considering taking the same step, I say do not be afraid of your weaknesses. Do not be afraid of being vulnerable. The God who has called you will not abandon you.”

Former Chesterfield Pastor to Return to Derbyshire to be Ordained as a Deacon

A former Chesterfield Street Pastor is due to return to his home county to be ordained as a Deacon at a special Petertide service at Derby Cathedral on Sunday 26 June 2016.

James Durrant, 26, will become the Assistant Curate to the parish of St Alkmund and St Werburgh in Derby. Originally from Chesterfield, he volunteered as a street pastor for two years in his hometown after studying Environmental Economics and Environmental Management at University of York.

Married to Chloe since 2015, James is currently training at Cranmer College in Durham and is looking forward to returning to Derbyshire to take up his ministry.

James said: “It will be great to return to Derbyshire after three years away to an area which I 'm looking forward to getting to know.

“I am delighted to be in a position to serve a community and to walk alongside them in their discipleship journey, from those who have been walking for many years to those who do not yet know they have a journey before them.

“To others considering taking this step, I say God does not call the equipped but equips the called. If God is calling you the skills, support and gifts you need will be provided. You are being called for who you are, not in comparison to anyone else”.

Solicitor Embarks on Second Career with Church of England

 A high flying solicitor is swapping his 35 year legal career for one in the pulpit as he is ordained Deacon at a special service at St Laurence, Long Eaton on 3 July 2016.

Giles Orton, 56, from Kirk Langley, will become Assistant Curate to the parishes of Long Eaton St Laurence and Ilkeston Holy Trinity. Married to Jane, an Amber Valley Borough Councillor, and with three grown up sons, Orton was a pensions litigation partner in the national firm Eversheds until April this year when he retired from the partnership to become a part-time legal consultant and trustee and to prepare for ordination as a self-supporting minister.

Giles said: “My new role will be an exciting journey and an awesome responsibility. I am looking forward to being involved in the life of the parishes and to help the people in my community come to know and serve God better through word and sacrament.“

Giles, whose work included acting for the Maxwell pensioners and working with the government to establish the Pensions Protection Fund, continued:

“In my legal career, I did much to help pensioners in their retirement from work. In the next stage of my career I hope to be able to help people prepare for the next retirement and to meet their Maker in the next life that Christ promises.

“My motivation to take this step came from being called to follow in the footsteps of my late grandfather, who was also a priest.

This includes the diocesan data privacy notice. 

Please use the form attached to let us know about anyone in new roles following your APCM's, this will allow us to keep the diocesan database up to date.

> Contact information - Data Form

 Page Includes Training Opportunities & Grants / Sabbaticals

Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD) 

Revd Dwayne Engh, Ordained Ministries Development Officer, has responsibility for the CMD programme for clergy. A number of programmes are in development.  Check back here often for more information.  (And please feel free to share any ideas or requests you may have)!

Training Opportunities within the Diocese

Resilience Course: ‘Developing Resilience, Maintaining Well-Being’ - with James Lawrence 

Ordained life is demanding, and the ability to ‘bounce back’ is an important part of maintaining well-being.  Drawing from a framework cpas has developed working with hundreds of clergy in this area, these days provide practical tools to develop resilience that engages with the realities of ordained ministry.  (Note to Curates: You will receive this training in the second year of your curacies).

It has been a huge success again this year!  Because of the positive feedback over the past two years, we are running the course again for the 2025 year (together with the Diocesan Clergy Wellbeing Advisory Group).  There is room for a maximum number of 24 people total for the 2025 cohort. Please make certain you are available for all three days before signing up.  One learning community of clergy will attend this course, which occurs on three different days over the course of the year.  Please contact marietta.forman@derby.anglican.org if you are interested.  

For the 2025 year:

Women in Ministry - 'How far have we come?'

For all female clergy in our diocese.  A day to celebrate the ordained ministry of women and share our stories - a time to name the challenges, share the joys, and discuss how we can shape the future together.  Creché provided.  Lunch provided.  Please contact marietta.forman@derby.anglican.org if you are interested.  

Bishop's Study Day 

We are very pleased to restart Bishop's Study Days this year.  We are offering two dates so that all clergy will be able to work the day into their schedules.  You can register for EITHER Monday 24 March OR Saturday 29 March, whichever works best for you (It will be the same content each day).  

OR

Power & Conflict Transformation Session - with Sandra Cobbin

As the Church of England evolves in the coming decades, our awareness of p will become increasingly important.  What kind of church is being presented to both those inside and outside of the institutional church?  In the wake of the Makin report, our power and how we use that power is paramount.  Led by Sandra Cobbin from Clarity Development and Bridge Builders.  Please contact marietta.forman@derby.anglican.org to register.

Oversight Ministry Training - with cpas

As the Church of England moves from a 'one priest, one parish' model to overseeing multiple parishes, several clergy have requested explicit training in the area.  We have therefore arranged a pilot course, led by cpas, to assist those leading a church in moving from pastoral, sacramental, and ministry tasks for the benefit of others towards equipping all God's people for mission and ministry.   Recognising that all God's people have gifts and have a share in God's mission, the Oversight Minister works to empower and journey with them as they take on more responsibility.

There is room for a maximum number of 24 people total for the 2025 cohort. Please make certain you are available for all three days before signing up.  One learning community of clergy will attend this course, which occurs on three different days over the course of the year.  Please contact marietta.forman@derby.anglican.org if you are interested.  

For 2026: Diocesan Leadership Course - with James Lawrence 

We are pleased once again run the Diocesan Leadership Course led by cpas starting in January 2026 and running for the entire calendar year. The cohort of 19 people met once a month for content and once a month with a mentor throughout 2024.  The feedback was overwhelminghly positive.

Leadership of churches is an exciting and complex role.  Changes have occurred in our missional landscape and in the ordained role over the past 30 years.  These have an impact on the leadership aspect of our priestly clergy roles.  The course focusses on (a) the inner life of the leader as one who follows Christ and (b) the outer life of the leader as one who, with others, leads missional churches.  We will also explore the practical aspects of our journey together, including mentors, leadership groups and developmental goals.

Desired Outcomes of the Course - Participants will have:

• Identified a helpful pattern of working with a core group to lead well with others.
• Embedded two evangelism practices in their church(es) life to make a shift towards a faith-sharing culture.
• Led through an adaptive challenge and reflected on lessons learned.
• Experienced ministry enhancing collegiality amongst other clergy.

There is room for a maximum number of 24 people in total. Please make certain you are available for all days before signing up. One learning community of clergy will attend this course over the course of the year.  Attendance is at invitation of the Bishop and/or Archdeacons.  Bishop Libby will invite a number of participants individually but, if you would like to register interest for the anticipated 2026-2027 year, please do get in touch with your Archdeacon or with dwayne.engh@derby.anglican.org. 

Training Opportunities with West Midlands Continuing Ministerial Development Partners 

Grants & Sabbaticals

Applications for Clergy Retreat Grant

The Ordained Ministries Development Officer, the Rev'd Dwayne Engh, has responsibility for authorising applications for Clergy Retreat grants.

Download Clergy Retreat Grant Information form here.

Download the Clergy Retreat Grant application form here (Word doc).

Application forms should be sent directly to Marietta Forman at Derby Church House or by email to marietta.forman@derby.anglican.org. 

If you have any queries, do please get in touch with Marietta on 01332 388673.

Applications for CMD Grants

The Ordained Ministries Development Officer, the Rev'd Dwayne Engh, has responsibility for authorising applications for CMD grants.

Download the CMD Discretionary Grant Application Information form here.

Download the CMD grant application form here.

Download the Additional Discretionary Academic Grant Application form here.

Application forms should be sent directly to Marietta Forman at Derby Church House or by email to marietta.forman@derby.anglican.org. 

If you have any queries, do please get in touch with Marietta on 01332 388673.

Applications for Sabbaticals

The Guidelines and applications form have recently been revised. 

Sabbatical and Study Leave applications for 2025 and 2026 have closed.  Do get in touch with the Rev'd Dwayne Engh by the end of February 2025 if you wish to pursue the possibility of an application for submission for a Sabbatical or Study Leave in 2026 - there is the potential that the bishop may be willing to approve more than the usual number if there is demand.  Appointments can be arranged through Marietta Forman at marietta.forman@derby.anglican.org or 01332 388673. 

Download the process as set out in Guidelines for Clergy Sabbatical

Download Application for a Sabbatical - Form A

Download Grant Application for a Sabbatical - Form A1

Applications for Study Leave

The Guidelines and applications form have recently been revised. 

Sabbatical and Study Leave applications for 2025 and 2026 have closed.  Do get in touch with the Rev'd Dwayne Engh by the end of February 2025 if you wish to pursue the possibility of an application for submission for a Sabbatical or Study Leave in 2026 - there is the potential that the bishop may be willing to approve more than the usual number if there is demand.  Appointments can be arranged through Marietta Forman at marietta.forman@derby.anglican.org or 01332 388673. 

Download the process as set out in Guidelines for Study Leave

Download Application for a Study Leave - Form B

Download Grant Application for a Study Leave - Form B1

Other sources of funding

It is also worth looking at the following document, which lists possible external sources of funding as well:

Download the Diocese Derby Grants for Clergy & Their Families handbook

Lichfield Funding

Clergy seeking funding for personal development or for academic courses might also consider applying to Lichfield Theological College Trust: Please note that Application Forms for grants from the Lichfield Theological College Trust must be submitted to The Revd Dwayne Engh to be counter-signed before they are sent to the Trust.

Download the Lichfield funding form for personal development (Word doc)

Download the Lichfield funding form for academic courses (Word doc)

Dear Friends

I am happy to write that Bishop Alastair has commended me to the post of Chaplain to the Retired Clergy within the Diocese, assisted by my wife Rachel Mookerji. The Bishop is very keen to see that all the Retired Clergy are given all help, care and support particularly in their time of need, realizing how much time and effort they give to maintain the much cherished parish ministry within the Diocese. Our personal initiative will be to maintain the relationship with each other and to this end importantly praying and where necessary visiting them.

I am grateful my predeccessors have already established the link between the local Retired Clergy and the Retirement Officers so called the Deanery Representatives. We will continue with the tradition of an annual phone call to each one knowing how valuable this could prove pastorally for all of us. However, we believe the Pastoral Care of the Retired Clergy is of course primarily the responsibility of the local Parish Priest, and where necessary they would contact wither their Deanery Representatives, or us directly for any specialist care and support, and if any particular need arising we would then liaise with the Bishop.

We have been in the Diocese for over 30 years, and now happily retired and live in the Parish of Church Gresley in Repton Deanery. Our journey to this diocese began in the year 1985, when I served my title at the Parish Church St Lawrence, Heanor, and then moved to St James, Codnor, my first incumbency; in the same deanery stretching over 17 years; and which laid a firm foundation to our life and ministry in this country. We finally retired from the Parish Church of St Marks Winshill, in the Repton Deanery after having served the parish for over 13 years. It has been a priviledge to serve this diocese and now commended by the Bishop to serve the Retired Clergy in the diocese.

We have two sons Michael (Jr) married to Bryony and they have a daughter called Elsa and live in Norway, Noel married to Nathalie and have two children Noah and Yasmin, and live in London. by God'd grace they are all doing well in their respective families, and we all have a happy family bond. 

We now joyfully look forward to serving our Retired Clergy friends within the diocese, and take this opportunity to wish you all a blessed year 2016, and may God bless is all richly with good health and happiness. 

Regards

Revd Michael Mookerji

michael.mookerji@live.co.uk

01283 335582