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Self-Supporting Ordained Ministry

The information below is intended to support clergy engaged in Self-Supporting Ordained Ministry, as well as those who minister / work alongside them: stipendiary clergy, churchwardens, PCC members, etc. 

There is also information for those who are exploring Self-Supporting Ordained Ministry, as a possible reponse to God's vocational call on their lives.


Is God Calling You?

Below is a brief Vocations Guide to Self-Supporting Ordained Ministry.

Vocations Guide to Self-Supporting Ordained Ministry


SSM Handbook

The SSM handbook below contains a wealth of information, advice and guidance to support SSMs and those who minister alongside them.

SSM Handbook


The template SSMs should use for their Ministry Agreement is below:

SSM Ministry Agreement Template


SSMs and Parish Vacancies

The guidance below details information and guidance SSMs, churchwardens and PCC members will find useful during the various stages of a parish vacancy.

SSMs and Parish Vacancies - Good Practice Guide

Below is an editable version of the 'Supplementary Ministry (and Training) Agreement' for use during a vacancy:

Supplementary MA for use during a Vacancy


SSMs Holding Incumbent Level Appointments

The information in the booklet below is designed to support SSMs who are considering applying for an incumbent level post. It contains a wealth of information to support them through the process, as well as offering practical advice once the appointment has been made.

SSM Incumbent Level Appointments Guide

SSMs who hold an incumbent level appointment (eg as a Priest-in-Charge) should use the Memorandum of Understanding template below:

SSM Memorandum of Understanding


SSMs Moving to PTO

The information in the booklet is designed to assist SSMs (from 65 years of age) make decisions about retirement and whether they wish to apply for PTO

SSMs Moving to PTO Guide

All those in receipt of PTO who were previously SSM should use the Ministry Agreement template below.


Ministry Agreements

SSMs currently undergoing IME2 are not to use the template below, but should use the template found on the IME2 page.


Below is the Ministry Agreement template all licensed SSMs should use. This template should also be used by those in receipt of PTO, who were previously SSM:

SSM Ministry Agreement Template

For more information, advice, guidance or support about any of the above, or any other aspects of Self-Supporting Ordained Ministry, please get in touch with the Bishop's Adviser for Self Supporting Ordained Ministry via Church House 01928 643428 or lyndon.bannon@chester.anglican.org

Diocese of Chester

The Diocese of Chester is the Church of England primarily in Cheshire – but also covers some areas outside the county.
Chester Diocesan Board of Finance is a company limited by guarantee registered in England (no. 00007826) and a registered charity (no. 248968)
Chester Diocesan Board of Finance. Church House, 5500 Daresbury Park, Daresbury, Warrington WA4 4GE. Telephone: 01928 718834

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