Guidance for Churchwardens

Thank You for Bringing the Parish’s Voice

We are grateful for your partnership in this pilot. We know that Churchwardens have always participated in MMDR at the invitation of ministers. In this pilot, we are making it a requirement, because it’s so important to hear the parish’s voice. Your feedback helps the minister to see their ministry through the eyes of trusted lay leadership and to consider practical steps that support the parish’s flourishing. The process depends on honest, fair observation offered in a constructive spirit; your reflections will be shared with the minister before their self-reflection so that they can engage the review with the benefit of your perspective.

Offering Balanced, Useful Reflections

When completing the role-specific feedback form, focus on how the minister’s leadership is experienced in the life of the parish: the reliability of administration, communication and governance; collaboration with lay leaders; the tone of pastoral care; the encouragement of others’ gifts; and how decisions and priorities serve the mission. Where you note areas for development, be specific and practical; where you see strengths, name them clearly so that they can be built upon. If you judge that a particular point could be sensitive in your local context, you may indicate this so that the MMDR Officer can route feedback appropriately in the pilot.

Safeguarding and Sensitive Feedback

If a point you wish to raise could be sensitive in your local context, you may indicate this in your form so that it is routed appropriately. Any safeguarding concerns should be raised with our Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO) rather than through the MMDR conversation. Sensitive feedback is referred to the MMDR Officer before wider circulation in the pilot, and MMDR Consultants do not handle safeguarding concerns themselves but will pass them onto the DSO.

What You’ll Be Asked

The form will ask a little about you, then ask for your reflections in the following areas. We encourage you to look at this page of Ministry Focus Statements to review the statements about your minister.

Use the button below to open the form that enables you to offer your feedback. You can also download a PDF Version if that helps you to prepare your answers.

Here is a preview of the areas for reflection indicated on the form.

Affirmation

Please identify up to three areas where you see real strength in this minister’s ministry. Share why these stand out to you, with examples if possible.

Areas for Development

We all have areas where we can grow. Please suggest up to two areas where this minister has the greatest opportunity to develop further. Focus on constructive ideas that could help them thrive.

Leadership

Please comment on the minister’s leadership style and its impact.

Anything Else?

If you’d like to add anything else that could encourage or support this minister, please do.

Helping Improve the Process

Please add brief comments on the clarity of the form and the ease of offering feedback. Note any questions that felt repetitive or ambiguous and any guidance that could be re-phrased for lay leaders. These pilot observations will inform adjustments to the reviewer experience before diocesan roll-out.

Use the form below to offer your feedback once the process is complete.