The God of the Trinity is new creation, the bringer of freedom, energy and vision, new ideas and new possibilities To leave a ministry as we found it is no longer possible let alone an expression of faithful trust. If it has not changed or grown it will have declined or disappeared. Mediocrity in approach or long service for its own sake are no longer the most laudable aspects of ministry. Excellence should be our strategy at all levels of Church life. This will involve a number of changes in our thinking.
Succession becomes much more important.
Significant areas of ministry cannot be left to chance. We must train, equip, nurture and encourage folk to take responsibility for the areas of ministry which are deemed to be of highest priority for the life of that community. However, we cannot move in this direction simply by fiat from above. This kind of change can only happen when accompanied by supportive pastoral care. This fact has been noted in the Bishop's recent review of ministry in which he has been encouraged to see the mentoring of clergy as his first priority.