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Rev Dr Langley Mackrell-Hey, Summary of research finding undertaken through the University of Durham DThM, 2000-2016

Key findings: CPD and Fresh Expressions

This research highlighted how work with fresh expression does not take place in isolation. Presbyters with oversight of local projects are also faced with enabling the wider church to sustain its existing work, whilst investing in what is new. They are also bound by the disciplines laid out in CPD.

Throughout my ministry I have been encouraged to view CPD as a permissive rather than restrictive document. The research suggested that few ministers felt unduly burdened it. In local churches the word of the presbyter with ‘pastoral charge’ was simply accepted, and there was an unspoken assumption that the way in which they conducted their meetings honoured CPD. Even so, one superintendent shared how they found its index to be ‘a nightmare’ and another, a former solicitor stated, ‘if I were I were writing a legal document for the church, I would not write it that way’). One participant, referring to the age during which CPD was written, joked at how the Church lists it regulations concerning alcohol under the title, ‘intoxicants’. Another superintendent felt that the church must have compiled CPD with city churches in mind, and that this was why some ministers ignored(!) certain regulations.

Not all presbyters however felt entirely confident in using CPD. Their greatest fear was one of being criticised for how they interpreted and applied it. This would be akin to questioning their competency. A small number of presbyters were wary about the influence of retired (supernumerary) ministers who now worshipped within their own congregation, and might operate in a way that undermined their ministry by raising unhelpful questions. Equally though, this research uncovered evidence of healthy and deeply supportive relationships between supernumeraries, and presbyters, with some supernumeraries taking an active role in emerging fresh expressions, and applying a lifetime of expertise. Superintendents had the most crucial role in setting the tone for mission across circuits, permission giving, and by extension, either blessing or inhibiting new work.  

In recent years, the Church has encouraged practitioners to apply ‘a light touch’ in applying Methodist discipline, with the striking assertion that if they do not do this, new work is likely to be suffocated. Whilst this is initially appealing (because it seemingly gives practitioners greater freedom), it suggests that in some cases, CPD can be applied in ways that are unhelpful or even unrealistic for fresh expression. The most penetrating research observation however, is how the wider church can demand conformity to present ecclesial discipline, whilst failing to acknowledge that elements of the wider Church are struggling to implement CPD themselves - particularly smaller congregations - and yet do not face the same level of criticism.

In terms of interpretation, there was evidence to suggest that practitioners looked to operate by the spirit, rather than the letter of the law. Others delayed invoking some of CPD’s requirements, justifying this on practical or pastoral grounds. Meanwhile, the Methodist Church has yet to carry out more work on what is meant for presbyters to apply a ‘light touch’ to its disciplines. The situation in ecumenical contexts was particularly challenging, when different churches have different procedures, and when the question of who has oversight had not been sufficiently considered.

Literature Review and initial
considerations for Oversight

Accessible parts of the Thesis:

Abstract and Acknowledgements

Intro, Method, and Thesis Outline

The full consultation on CPD, and the case studies are embargoed: I am however able to provide more detail on request.

Conclusion and Recommendations
for further action

Thesis Appendices

Consultation on Oversight

Sample Quantitative Survey 2

Sample Quantitative Survey 1

Probing Questions

Glossary of Terms

Bibliography