The Revd Ian Tomkins is the Diocesan Advisor for Ministerial Support, and can be contacted at Hillside House:
0117 906 0100
ian.tomkins@bristoldiocese.org
/ Retreats
The Diocese encourages all those in Christian ministry to support their ministries through retreats. Retreats can vary hugely in what they both offer, and what the individual is looking for and a very useful resource in helping you think about a retreat is:
The Retreat Association
Some suggestions:
Emmaus House, Bristol
Elsie Briggs House of Prayer, Bristol
The Sheldon Centre, Dunsford, Exeter
The Ammerdown Centre, Radstock, Somerset
Glenfall House, Gloucestershire
Abbey House, Glastonbury
Ivy House, Warminster, Wiltshire
Legge House, Wroughton, Swindon
/ Clergy Medical Scheme
The Diocese of Bristol, via its arrangement with Interhealth, offers medicals to licensed clergy in the Diocese.
The offer of a Christian Ministry Medical is available to all licensed clergy (SSMs, OLMs and stipendiary ministers) for free as the scheme is funded by the generosity of an external charitable trust. It is also available to clergy spouses if they do not have access to private medical care through their employer.
Interhealth is a medical agency based in Waterloo, London, with specialist knowledge and experience of serving those involved in Christian ministry.The Christian Ministry Medical provides an opportunity for those in Christian Ministry to have a comprehensive medical check-up and is recommended to be undertaken at twoyear intervals. It involves a thorough 45 minute examination with one of Interhealth’s expert clinicians who is sympathetic to the demands and pressures of Christian ministry.
As well as a thorough clinical examination, individuals have the opportunity to chat through any concerns, personal or work related, on a completely confidential basis. It includes standard tests – and further tests at additional charge to the individual concerned if appropriate. InterHealth can report back to doctor/GP if requested.
Travel Expenses: Clergy are encouraged to claim any travel expenses incurred via
their PCCs.
To make an appointment for a Christian Ministry Medical:
1. Call Interhealth on 020 7902 9000, quoting the Diocese of Bristol membership.
2. Email Revd Ian Tomkins, Diocesan Advisor for ministerial Support, to let him know you are taking up this service. Please contact Ian if you have any questions.
/ Extended Ministerial Development Leave
EMDL is available to all Clergy in the Diocese after 15 years of Ordained Ministry and then every 10 years from the date of the last EMDL period. If you are thinking about applying for EMDL you need to contact the Revd Ian Tomkins for an initial conversation. Ian will help you think through your ideas and plans and give you guidance on the process.
Ministry Development 
Pastoral Management 
This site uses cookies 