Researching the parish – a view from ordination training to publication

Analysing the local context of the church is core to the learning process for those in training for ordination and post-ordination. This poster outlines the research undertaken over an 11 year period in one parish, following the path of a Yorkshire non-stipendiary curate, and considers the benefits both for the parish and the wider church. The research was completed as part of studies undertaken from different perspectives: • Firstly, as part of a foundation degree study for local trainee Readers and those investigating their calling to ordination • Secondly, within ordination training, at Masters level • Thirdly, as a third-year curate undertaking initial ministerial education (IME) • Finally, in the context of the curate’s full-time work outside the church, a portion of the research was published in an academic paper. In 2004, the parish of Clayton in Bradford gained a new vicar, whose training had included a focus on developing a plan for the parish through a structured research process. By 2015, congregation members had contributed to several sets of primary research over a period of 10 years. In part, the circumstances were unusual, as most curates do not remain in their home parishes, and are unlikely to undertake primary research as part of their initial or continuing studies. However, the continuing focus of context within theological training has enabled the development of a longitudinal study, enhancing depth of analysis and insight, and building on earlier research. This poster topic assesses the learning from this process, and considers how such research might be usefully captured for input into the parish, the diocese, and at national level, for ministerial education.