Diocesan News
Millennials in the Church in rural Ireland
West Cork rector undertakes research for masters degree
Following three years of part–time study in the Irish Bible Institute (IBI), the Rev Cliff Jeffers, Rector of Fanlobbus Union of Parishes, Dunmanway, County Cork, completed a masters degree in transformational leadership, awarded by the University of York St John. The award was made on 30th April.
IBI’s approach is one of Head, Heart and Hands, linking academic rigour, spiritual transformation and practical application in ministry. Four of eight taught modules were selected, which were Biblical Interpretation, Church and Mission, Servant Leadership and Enabling Leadership. The final phase was a dissertation on a self–selected topic.
The area of leadership chosen to research using qualitative method was: ‘What does a Church of Ireland rector need to understand in order to effectively lead the millennial generation in a rural Irish context?’
The course and research, supported by the Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Continuing Ministerial Education Fund, is being followed up through an experimental ecumenical group in West Cork which is seeking to establish a fresh expression to develop discipleship among those who have disconnected from the established Churches.
Diocesan Media & Information Technology Officer
087 7055 989
Ms Denise Stobart
media@corkchurchofireland.com