Self Supporting Ordained Ministers (SSOM)
Self-Supporting Ordained Ministers (SSOMs) are ordained, licensed clergy.
- SSOMs generally offer their ministry on an unpaid basis (that is to say they do not receive a stipend) and would typically hold a Bishop's Licence as perhaps an Associate Priest or a Curate, although this is does vary.
- Clergy with Permission to Officiate (such as many retired clergy) are not generally considered to be SSOMs.
- SSOMs (with some limited exemptions) are also able to claim a fee from the Diocese for taking weddings and funerals. This is not the case for other types on non-stipendiary clergy - so it is not the case that by not receiving a stipend, someone who is ordained automatically falls into the group of what are known as SSOMs.
Ways to be a Self-Supporting Ordained Minister (SSOM)
- There are as many ways to be a Self-Supporting Ordained Minister (SSOM).
- Some work full time in ministry, either in a parish context or elsewhere, some are part-time in the parish but may also have another significant commitment (caring for family members, voluntary work, etc), others have a full-time commitment outside of the church and can only take part in services and parish activities at weekends or in the evenings.
Self-Supporting Ordained Ministry Working Agreement
- All SSOMs need to have a Working Agreement, which makes clear what the commitment they can offer is and ensures that they have some time off.
- SSOMs are entitled to a Statement of Particulars, setting out the terms of their contract with the Diocese.
- SSOMs who are licensed to a parish, but have a significant working context, also need to be supported by their parish.
- Whatever the details of an SSOMs working life are, they are united as priests wherever they are doing.
- You can download the Self-Supporting Ordained Ministry Working Agreement here.
Further Information
Page last updated: Tuesday 24th January 2023 9:28 AM