There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ MDR and in this diocese clergy are normally free to make the MDR process fit their needs. However, there are some principles and processes that will guide you through your MDR. This is detailed below.
When will my MDR be?
MDRs follow a three-year cycle, which should continue regularly once you have begun. You do not need to initiate your MDR and will be contacted some months before the MDR with details.
Who will conduct my MDR?
In the first year of the MDR cycle you will meet with one of our trained MDR Consultants. Their role is to be a confidential coach who will help you to review your ministry and to make clear priorities and directions for the future. A Consultant will be selected for you, but if necessary you can ask us to change who this is.
In the second year of the MDR cycle you will normally meet with one of our suffragan bishops.
In the third year of the MDR cycle you are encouraged to make your own review in conversation with your MDR companion.
What is an MDR companion?
MDRs are most effective where they are followed up well. Busy clergy lives often mean this doesn’t happen. Therefore, we ask each cleric to choose an MDR companion who will be prompted to meet with you around 3 months after your MDR to see how things are going. Who they are is entirely up to you. They could be a clergy or lay colleague, a member of your church, a coach or supervisor you work with, and old friend …
For more details see the MDR companion briefing below.
What do I need to do before my MDR?
The one thing you must do before your MDR is to complete the MDR Record. This is the form that will guide you, your consultant, and the bishop through the three years of the MDR cycle. You can download it from the bottom of this page. As well as feeding into your MDR conversations, this document will help shape the diocesan CMD programme. The document will be a permanent record in your clergy file at Bishop’s House.
You will also want to take time for suitable reflection and preparation for the MDR.
How do I prepare for my MDR?
This is up to you. A selection of ‘MDR preparation resources’ which you may wish to use are linked at the foot of this page. You can choose one or several of them, depending on what is most helpful for you. If you have another review method you are using you could bring this (instead or as well), or an annual review if this is part of the regular support in your ministry context. Whatever you do in preparation, you should send it, or a summary of it, to the Consultant or Bishop you are seeing, at least one full week before your meeting.
Whatever form your preparation takes, it should be done prayerfully. Some clergy like to set aside a day retreat to prepare during which we spend time in the company of the one who calls us and sends us.
What will happen at my MDR meeting?
MDR Consultants are experienced ministers, mentors, therapists and guides who are trained to use coaching methods in these conversations. They will ask you what you want to focus on and how you want to use the time; what you would like to be different and how you will know if the conversation has helped. They will support you and be inquisitive listeners, but you will direct the content and nature of your exploration. Your Consultant will be holding you in prayer and we intend that this is a process which will help deepen your journey with God as you serve his people.
What happens after my MDR?
The MDR Record should be completed and returned to mdr@chester.anglican.org Your Consultant or Bishop will complete a short record of the topics discussed and you will need to complete the Outcomes. These include any ‘SMART’ targets you are setting for yourself, and any other matters that may be followed up on. This document will inform both your own resourcing and the wider CMD provision in the diocese. It will also be the foundation of your conversation with your MDR companion.
Essential MDR documents:
-The MDR Record
This is the primary MDR document which will follow you through the three-year cycle.
-A briefing for MDR companions
Please send this to your chosen MDR companion
MDR preparation options:
-The Living Ministry Wellbeing Map
This resource looks at spiritual and vocational wellbeing among other categories. It can used once, but also lends itself to annual use.
-Reflections from the Ordinal
A series of reflective questions based on the descriptions of ministry in the ordination services. Feel free to use some or all as best suits.
-360 review
One method for seeking constructive feedback from those you work amongst. 360 reviews are often approached with some trepidation, but the experience is overwhelmingly positive and helpful.