The statistics show that the Church of England is running out of priests, and that the fall in numbers is worryingly consistent. That does not surprise me at all. The number of priests retiring early or leaving the ministry now outstrips the number actually retiring! Golly! And this is at a time of increasing instability and insecurity in our country (i.e. not at a time of ease and self satisfaction).

To me, this shows that we are not playing the ball, but rather, we are playing imaginary balls, as they are more compatible with the current Church of England culture.

So what is this ball that we are meant to be playing? Well, to start with, it needs to be faith and gospel led rather than institutionally led. Despite some words of faith, the very heartbeat of how parish priests feel about the Church of England is that it is a body run by institutional animals, and the way to get promoted is by becoming one of them.

It is that general tone that sucks the joy, life and trust out of parish priests. Decisions are made that pass on the difficult stuff further down the chain to parish priests, and that is why they are leaving.

Many of the priests that have trusted me communicate the same sort of journey over the years. They start of by being enthused by parish ministry and work very hard. Then they come to the slow realisation that many, not all of the senior staff don’t really care about them, or care about their own clergy position more than them. Then they slowly become corroded over time. Then they look for diocesan jobs, as they are more clearly defined, better connected, and pay substantially more. Some don’t look for those jobs and go to the next step. This step is to leave through early retirement, or to another outside role.

I know the above sounds so negative and depressing, but the first step of any strategy is to define reality. It really is the only way forward no matter how painful, awkward and upsetting it may be.

So is there a way forward? Is there hope for the future? Of course there is, and it is not a mass repentance of the attitude of parish clergy or blaming the current climate in our country. It is however, in my view, a serious and humble repentance of the leadership of the Church of England. The leadership is not working. It is not playing the ball. I am not saying that they don’t work hard. But our country is so very ripe for a gospel explosion at this time.

I know full well the power of institutional culture. But it can be transformed with our Lord leading the way, and brave, repentant, humble and self sacrificing senior leaders walking on their knees. That will inspire the parish priests and set such a wonderful example to them that they can follow, all the way to their own retirement.

I know that I am asking a lot; but please, for the sake of the gospel in this country, play the ball.