DEBATE THE QUANTITY BUT WHAT ABOUT THE QUALITY OF SENIOR CLERGY?

A General Synod debate on the quantity of bishops and archdeacons is much easier to have than one on their quality. But despite the potential for episcopal red faces, possibly even purple ones, one is urgently needed.

It is easy to overstate the significance of bishops. They cannot deliver growth in parishes. That under God is down to front-line clergy working effectively with mission-motivated local congregations.

But it is also easy to understate the significance of bishops. A good one can do a tremendous amount of good. The Evangelical bishop of Chester from 1982 to 1996, Michael Baughen, was not always popular with those close to him theologically in his diocese and beyond, particularly in Reform. But the reality on the ground was that he did a good job in supporting front-line clergy, as did his suffragan bishops and archdeacons. He appointed some effective parish ministers and, though some of them may not admit it, he actually backed them courageously when the flak flew.

A good bishop can be very good for clergy morale. A bad one can send it through it the floor.

The uncomfortable questions that need to be asked about the quality of our current senior clergy are as follows:

• How many of them have a track record in leading small parish churches into growth or even very much experience at the parochial coalface?

• To what extent is an aptitude not to ruffle feathers seen as more important in preferment than an ability to breaks eggs in order to make omelettes for the sake of mission?

• What part does liberal-churchmanship networking play in senior appointments?

• If a liberal diocesan is inclined to want ‘diversity’ in his team and appoints Evangelical or Anglo-Catholic colleagues, to what extent is he inclined towards people who won’t rock the boat rather than towards those who will be most effective for the gospel?

These issues need urgently to be addressed if the growing net-giving churches in a position to plant new congregations are going to have confidence in their senior staff. Yes, theological factors are important in building such confidence – the net-giving churches are overwhelmingly orthodox and traditional in theology. They have a principled objection to theological liberalism.

But theology is not the only factor. Confidence will be lost if there is a sense that senior clergy are not there on merit; that they’re not actually up to the job; that they’re somebody’s crony.

For those of us who minister in net-receiving parishes, it is vitally important that our diocesan leadership has the confidence of the net-giving constituency. Ministry is tough out there - our mission for Christ in our parishes depends to an important extent on the orthodoxy, character and the ability of diocesan senior staff.