Evaluating clergy competence

The ministry division of the Church of England has released a report indicating that as many as half of the current parish clergy are unable to cope with the demands of ministry.

The Sunday Telegraph reports:

A survey of diocesan bishops found that one-third believe that more than half of current clergy – as many as 6,000 – are unable to cope with the demands of the job.

In addition, 90 per cent of the bishops believe that a third of the new intake of clergy do not have the necessary gifts and abilities.

One bishop, who is unnamed, offers a damning verdict on the ability of priests entering the Church.

“Most candidates have little or no skills in working co-operatively, or knowing how to share, as distinct or delegate, ministry,” he says.

“Truthfully, it is deeply depressing. Egotism rules. Contemporary worship is feeble, ‘sweet’, and leads no one to the Majesty of God.”

Dave Walker summarizes blog responses to the report, which generally question either the methodology of the report or the quality of some bishops.

More discussion may be found at Thinking Anglicans.

What do you think? How does one evaluate the preparation and the quality of the work of clergy (including bishops) in a way that is both descriptive and useful?

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