Transforming ministry in the Church in Wales: a critical assessment of the implementation of ministry areas

The context of this research is the Church in Wales Review (2012) which advocated a transition to ministry areas which are geographically and demographically larger than existing parishes. My thesis looks at ways in which Ministry Areas can be implemented by using templates and theories of change, principally those of John Kotter. His eight step model is an appropriate tool for change in a church steeped in history and tradition. St David’s Diocese was selected for research as they had started the transition from 2017. An understanding of general principles and reaction to change was explored before examining the context of ministry and how that had evolved, mainly in Wales since disestablishment in 1920. Related research concentrated on the effects of change rather than the change itself but was found useful as parallels could be drawn with St David’s Diocese on factors such as rurality, collaboration and church growth. Research methods were both quantitative and qualitative and include questionnaires, interviews and focus groups. The following theological themes emerged from the data and literature reviews; change, the Body of Christ, servant leadership and place and were reflected upon in the context of organisational change. A statement has been included to explain how Covid restrictions affected the research and writing of this thesis. Results focused on different perspectives, accorded to roles and levels of ministerial oversight. Research showed the effect of differing activities and relationships between churches and communities relating to increased opportunities for mission. The final recommendations were based on Strategy, Sustaining Change, Ministry and Community which were predominant themes running through the thesis. Cutting across all the activity involved in the transition to Ministry Areas has to be an awareness of the intrinsic reasons why this change was required, to develop a collaborate and relevant ministry which has potential to grow disciples and communities of faith. Although the focus is the Church in Wales, the principles of change developed in this work are applicable for a much wider context.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

dmin

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Powell, Pamela

• BV Diwinyddiaeth Ymarferol

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:2496