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This guide outlines the purpose, process, and key documents related to Bishops’ Mission Orders (BMOs). Aimed at enhancing church mission initiatives, the guide details a three-stage process comprising Exploration, Consultation, and Action, along with Accompaniment and Review. It emphasizes the need for synodical involvement and clear oversight within diocesan life. Key documents include the DPM Measure and the House of Bishops' Code of Practice. This resource is vital for churches considering establishing new communities or undertaking collaborative mission efforts.
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Bishops’ Mission Orders • Purpose and scope • The three-stage process: • Exploration • Consultation • Action • Accompaniment and review
The key documents • The DPM Measure • The House of Bishops Code of Practice • Advisory material: • Beginner’s guide • Share (www.sharetheguide.org) • Skeleton orders
Purpose and scope “To affirm, enable, encourage and support a new mission initiative within the overall ordering of the life of the church.” Synodical involvement, recognition, clear oversight and integration in diocesan life.
When are they needed? • When a mission initiative aims to establish a new community (a fresh expression of church) • When a number of parishes or ecumenical partners are involved • Code of Practice a helpful guide for local situations
Examples • A network congregation for young adults in a deanery • A collaboration between two parishes and a circuit in a new housing area • A language-based congregation serving a large town
A three-stage process Stage 1 Making the Proposal and Initial Explorations • Stage 1: Making the proposal and initial explorations • Stage 2: Consultation and drafting the Order • Stage 3: Making the Order and review Stage 2 Consultation and Drafting the Order Stage 3 Making the Order and Review
Stage 1 – the proposal Stage 1 Making the Proposal and Initial Explorations • BMOs are made by bishops • The bishop and/or local leaders can initiate • The bishop normally appoints an officer
Stage 1 – initial questions Stage 1 Making the Proposal and Initial Explorations • Nature and scope of the proposal • Originating parties? • How will it further the mission of the church? • Ecumenical partners • Why is a BMO required?
Stage 1 – further questions Stage 1 Making the Proposal and Initial Explorations • How will it fit? • Resources and partnerships • Formal consultation • Mission accompaniment? • Provision of ministry • Sustainability • Special circumstances
Stage 2 - consultation • Other churches/religious organisations ‘as [the bishop] thinks fit’ • Those with significant interest • Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee • Leaders of the planned initiative Stage 2 Consultation and Drafting the Order
Stage 2 – why is ‘ministry without consent’ needed? • Future continuity (change of incumbent) • Large geographical area, preventing unreasonable veto • Incumbent unwilling but bishop satisfied it is right to override this Stage 2 Consultation and Drafting the Order
Stage 2 – ‘ministry without consent’ consultation • Few parishes: the incumbent(s) • Deanery: Deanery Synod House of Clergy • Diocese: Diocesan Synod House of Clergy Stage 2 Consultation and Drafting the Order
Stage 2 – decision Decision must make clear: • objectives and areas of work • leaders and their role • provision for sacramental worship • duration of the BMO (up to 5 years initially) Stage 2 Consultation and Drafting the Order
Stage 3 - visitor The bishop appoints avisitor to: • oversee the initiative • report back and ensure open communication • review the initiative regularly and near the BMO’s end Stage 3 Making the Order and Review
Stage 3 - accompaniment Visitor ensures suitable mission accompaniment for the initiative. A person or people ‘who will walk with them as supportive and critical friends, both encouraging and challenging their development.’ Stage 3 Making the Order and Review
Stage 3 – review scope • Should the initiative continue? • Should the BMO be renewed, or replaced by other legal provision? • Should there be formal changes to the BMO? • Are there particular aspects of work that need addressing? Stage 3 Making the Order and Review
Stage 3 – review outcome • Renewal for finite period • Renewal pending alternative future • Replacement by other legal basis • Termination • Indefinite renewal Stage 3 Making the Order and Review
Is it worth it? Stage 1 Making the Proposal and Initial Explorations • Testing a call • Owning the vision • Securing continuity • Providing accountability • Patience needed Stage 2 Consultation and Drafting the Order Stage 3 Making the Order and Review