The Hibbert Trust has since 2012 been providing a learning and development opportunity for prospective and current students for the Unitarian and Free Christian ministry along with newly qualified ministers. This has proved invaluable in supporting individuals as they enter ministry and in developing a sense of collegiality. The programme has been funded by the generous legacy left to the Trust by Stephanie Saville, a London Unitarian. The annual themes have been as follows:
2012: Keynote – Boundaries
2013: Systems, Groups
2014: Growth, Mission, Change
2015: Vocation: Honouring a sense of calling in ourselves and others.
2016: Constant Change: The Changing Constant
2017: Know thyself (Archetypes)
2018: Reflective Practice: the quiet space where professionalism dwells
2019: Going deeper: Re-sourcing our ministries
2020: Covid. Set aside times to light a candle in community with others
2021: Working together: Building personal & professional resilience Plus Handling Conflict with Bridge Builders
2022: Ready for the challenge of change?
2023: Speak to us of Giving. Gibran.
2024: We are such stuff as dreams are made of. Shakespeare, The Tempest.
2025: “The Ministry of all believers.”
2026: Handling Conflict with Bridge Builders.
Statistics
- 50 Ministry students and newly qualified Ministers have participated in MiM over a 14-year period
- The average number of MiMs attended per person is 5
- 17 volunteer leaders have worked on MiM of which 10 were/are active Ministers. Lay leaders are/were active Unitarians involved in Unitarian education and training and/or The Hibbert Trust
- Immediately following MiM 2024, we held a residential review with 18 people participating including some at different stages of their MiM journey, some who had been through MiM and are now established Unitarian Ministers and some who have not experienced MiM
Testimonials
I want to convey that MiM was very special to me and will always hold a special place in my heart, as you know I would have left the Ministry before I began if it wasn’t for MiM… and I thank you, and the team. I would say, overall my experience from the MiM facilitators was fantastic and I have nothing but praise.
One thing that delighted me in those early years of MiM was the increased connections I perceived growing amongst students at the two colleges, and between students and people starting in ministry. In our small and sometimes fragmented ministry I think MiM has offered something of real value – the potential for connection.
What I experienced in my 2 years being a MiM leader is exactly what I needed when training as a Minister, but didn’t get: self confidence, support. Gave me hope. A place to learn about being yourself ; be vulnerable, receive support. MiM gives the tools to look after themselves and others.
Ministry in the Making gave me the framework for my ministerial formation/preparation that I did not/would not have got elsewhere, and which made my training bearable and more comprehensible
Ministry in the Making has given me the opportunity to learn in different styles (and thus different things) that would not have been available elsewhere
Ministry in the Making offers a safe space for Ministers and proto-Ministers to meet that is not available elsewhere. it has been apparent to me that such social engineering is part of Ministry in the Making and I applaud it. Without it I doubt that I would have managed. Learning can be non-didactic, peer learning, and much more
A safe interim space in which to share joys and concerns
Information and models that have found their way into my ministry
The intense period of fellowship with peers – not available elsewhere – has provided the basis for continuing dialogue and peer support in ministry. Ministry in the Making is unique because new trainees can better connect in this space.
I have appreciated many aspects – CPD being the biggest. What I have participated in here has supported my ministry and enhanced my training – filling gaps in the training at colleges
A safe space to replenish, rethink, restock, and have access to experience and wisdom