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The line-management relationship

The importance of a positive relationship

Being a line-manager is a great privilege and the support of an effective line-manager enables those being line-managed to flourish.

Gary Hopkins, officer for Local Lay-Pastors

Line-management is not just a paper exercise, its the key to supporting Local Lay-Pastors in developing, learning and thriving. At times, the line-manager will operate as teacher and mentor, demonstrating and explaining how things should be done, modelling good practice and helping the Local Lay-Pastor learn new skills. At other times, the line-manager will assume the role of coach, asking the right questions to help the Local Lay-Pastor reflect on their practice, deepening their understanding, or exploring work from different perspectives.

Whatever roles they might have to take on during the line-management relationship, they are crucial in helping a Local Lay-Pastor know how they are doing in their context. They are there to notice and affirm the achievements, particularly when they are demonstrating that they are meeting particular competencies well. They are also there to notice where aspects of practice need developing, offering constructive advice and feedback, and opportunities to learn so that they can fully meet the competencies and flourish in their role.

While such a role is demanding, given the right level of attention and commitment, it can enable an individual to increasingly offer their skills and gifts to the wider collaborative ministry team - supporting the work of the whole Circuit and the mission of God in the world.