National Network of SSM Officers and Advisers
The National Network of SSM Officers and Advisers is a community of interest run for and by diocesan officers, advisers and other members representing SSOMs across the Church of England and other provinces.
Members of the Network are designated diocesan representatives for self-supporting ministry.
What are SSOMs?
Self-Supporting Ordained Ministers (SSOMs, also widely known as SSMs) are licensed clergy who offer their ministry on an unpaid basis. Most make an important contribution to parish ministry. Retired clergy operating on a Permission to Officiate basis are not normally considered to be SSMs. In England around 29% of licensed clergy are SSOM.
Ann, serving in a community cafe
John, Easter dawn
Tracey, Harvest Festival in a rural community
September 2024 – New Lead Bishop for SSOMs
Julie Conalty, Bishop of Birkenhead, has been appointed to represent the Church of England’s 3,000 self-supporting ordained ministers. Bishop Julie said: “I am honoured to take on this responsibility as Lead Bishop. My own secular employment helped to shape how I inhabit ministry, even today … Self-supporting ordained ministers and ministers in secular employment enrich churches, communities and workplaces – each in a distinctive and unique way. This is a huge gift to the church and to society.”
Bishop Julie’s appointment coincides with the appointment of Rev Tony Redman, who takes up the role of the Church of England’s National Officer for SSOM. Julie says, “I am very much looking forward to working with Tony as he takes over the role.”
SSMs in the media
BBC: Barrow GP ‘answers sense of call’ as a vicar
Around half of SSMs are in paid work outside the church, sometimes on a full-time basis. Those with a particular focus on ministry in the workplace are often known as Ministers in Secular Employment (MSE).
Acknowledgement
The Steering Group of the National Network would like to thank the Clergy Support Trust for financial assistance towards the running costs of this website.
