Ministerial Development Conversation

Susan Cord

I appreciate the value of being listened to; truly listened to. For me, that is one of the key strengths of MDC. Your unique story and situation are important and valued. SCord@churchofscotland.org.uk

Scott Rennie

Ministers are central to the life of the church, and need to be valued and invested in. I’m delighted to help offer an opportunity for colleagues to talk freely and in confidence, reflect on their role and practice to date, and think about their future. We all need a safe space to think and reflect. …

Ross Blackman

I have been a strong advocate of coaching and discussion for several years, in my previous career in Mental Health, and now in Ministry. MDC provides a safe space to explore our unique journey, and helps us to uncover routes ahead that we may not have considered. I cannot praise MDC highly enough. RBlackman@churchofscotland.org.uk

Rolf Billes

Throughout my ministry I have really valued the experience of being listened to deeply by another person. As your MDC Facilitator I commit to being such a listener and to holding a safe space for you to explore and understand your story and identify ways forward for your ministry. RBilles@churchofscotland.org.uk

Peter Donald

I have so appreciated the benefits of being listened to in confidence and encouraged to see ways forward and I am keen to offer myself to others, so that they likewise can safely open up and explore issues on their minds and hearts. PDonald@churchofscotland.org.uk

Neil Dougall

Ministry has always been demanding. The pandemic has made it all the more so. MDC is an opportunity to pause, understand what has happened and think about going forward. In recent months I have facilitated a number of MDCs over Zoom and, to my surprise, discovered that it works very well – in some ways …

Muriel Willoughby

My own varied experience of ministry has shown me the value of working with colleagues and the benefits of taking time to reflect on and review current practice as well as to look to the future. I can offer you a relaxed and welcoming facilitator who is willing to give her undivided attention to you …

Muriel Pearson

I know how important it is to have someone listen attentively in the context of discerning what next in ministry, whether in a current context or in considering a change to a new setting. I want to contribute to the success of MDC both by taking part and by facilitating others. (Available via zoom or …

John Young

I know that when we are called into Christian leadership it can often be difficult for us to step back and reflect on where we are, where we are going and where God comes into it all. MDC offers us the chance to talk things through with someone who is on a similar journey. My …

Jane Howitt

“Moving in the flow of the presence of Jesus” is what I seek in my own ministry, but it’s not always easy to discern if that’s what’s really happening or not. Talking with someone else often brings clarity. A conversation where you can safely verbalize your questions, thoughts, doubts, wonderings is what MDC offers, but …

Iain Goring

I have always appreciated time to pause and reflect on the issues that impact on my life and my work and to consider how I deal with them. MDC provides that opportunity and can be an immensely valuable resource. It is an opportunity to speak about what matters to you, help you explore the issues …

Graham McWilliams

Ministry can be tough and challenging and sometimes we can’t even find the strength to lift our heads up. We give of ourselves to others in their times of need but rarely, if at all, give time for ourselves. I recognise this in others, and I recognise this in myself. A lot of the answers …

Elspeth MacLean

I am excited by the whole concept of Ascend, as I think it marks a really positive change in the culture of the church . I look forward to listening and helping others reflect on their ministry and see what is available to assist us all in growing, both as individuals (God’s beloved children) and …

David Redmayne

As a recently retired parish minister I am well aware of the challenges and the joys of ministry. MDC is a great opportunity to get everything into perspective, to reflect on the past, take stock of the present and to look to the future positively. Ministers need this chance to remember their calling and to …

David Clarkson

I believe the opportunity to share a conversation which is supportive, encouraging and confidential is one which everyone should take up. Talking with someone who understands the highs and lows of ministry has helped me and MDC offers that opportunity to reflect on your ministry and future possibilities. I’d be delighted to chat with you. …

Christine Murdoch

Having taken part in MDC, I know the value of a safe, confidential place to ask myself big questions. Having someone sharing in those questions helps to hear the answers which in turn help to develop my ministry. CMurdoch@churchofscotland.org.uk

Andrew Todd

I am an elder in Rutherglen (Burnside Blairbeth church) and recently (April 2018) retired fully from my career as a Consultant Physician with NHS Lanarkshire Since 1995 I have been involved in postgraduate medical education and latterly was the Associate Postgraduate Dean for Foundation in the west of Scotland with responsibility for the support for …