The Local Ministry Pathway continues to equip and empower individuals to serve as primary leaders within their parishes across the Church of England Birmingham. This three-year training programme provides a flexible approach to formation, allowing participants to develop their ministry while remaining deeply connected to their local communities.
The pathway has seen remarkable outcomes in 2024, with fourteen candidates completing the foundation stage and progressing to the diocesan panel, which is a significant milestone in their vocational journey. As a result, 2025 will welcome eleven new local ministers, including ten ordained as deacons and one licensed as a lay minister.
A key highlight of this year’s cohort is its diversity, with the majority of candidates coming from Global Majority or UK Minority Ethnic (UKME) backgrounds. This reflects a growing commitment to ensuring ministry is both representative of and responsive to the communities it serves. The Local Ministry Pathway strengthens the church’s mission and outreach by encouraging diverse leadership.
The programme’s impact is evident in the testimonies of those who have undertaken the journey, many of whom speak of the deep sense of calling, support, and formation they have experienced. As more individuals step forward to explore their vocation, the Local Ministry Pathway continues to play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of church leaders across the Church of England Birmingham.