Exploring Your Vocation
Contents Page
1. Introduction 2 2. The Team 3 3. The discernment process 6 4. Confidentiality 8 5. What does the Church of England believe about ordination? 9 6. Selection criteria 12 7. What type of ministry? 15 8. Ordained ministry: what are the expectations? 17 9. Training 19 10. Some questions to consider 20 11. The discernment process: your marital status 21 12. What happens now? 22
13. Forms 25
Vocations
2 1. Introduction
Thank you for taking the time to consider this pack. In it you will find out more about the people involved in the discernment process, discover what is involved in helping you find the right path on this important journey and resources to help you find out more for yourself.
We are all praying for you as you take your journey further.
The Vocations Team
Father, I abandon myself into your hands. Do with me whatever you will. Whatever you may do I thank you. I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me and all your creatures. I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into your hands I commend my soul. I offer it to you with all the love of my heart. For I love you Lord and so need to give myself, surrender myself into your hands without reserve and with boundless confidence for you are my Father. Amen
Foucauld (1858–1916)
Diocesan Vision Statement:
The Diocese of Sheffield is called to grow a sustainable network of Christ-like, lively and diverse Christian communities in every place which are effective in making disciples and in seeking to transform our society and God’s world.
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3 2. The Team Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO)
The Diocesan Director of Ordinands is the Revd Stephen Hunter. He, under the Bishop, has oversight of the selection and training of ordination candidates. His role is to work with men and women who sense that God may be calling them to or- dained ministry.
Stephen works with a team of Assistant Diocesan Directors of Ordinands (ADDOs):
The Revd Canon Lydia Wells is a retired vicar but continues to work with those exploring ordained ministry. She is a vocations advisor and a Bishops’ pastoral advisor at local and national selection panels.
The Revd Canon Jane Bolton is the Priest-in-Charge of the three parishes in the Braithwell team, Rotherham and is also the Self- supporting Ministry Officer for the Diocese.
The Revd Harry Steele is Priest-in -charge of St Peter’s in Greenhill, Sheffield and the ADDO with particular responsibility for Pioneer Ministry. His role is to help candidates discern if they are called to Pioneer Ministry; this may be ordained or lay. Harry also acts as an external supervisor for Pioneer placements in the Diocese.
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4 2. The Team (continued)
The Revd Karen Cribb and the Revd Dr Richard Walton are the Bishop’s Advisors for Self-Supporting Ministry and provide support for existing Self-Supporting Ministers, those exploring and in training. They work in particular to encourage the growth of Self-Supporting ministry throughout the Diocese. Karen is the part-time SSM Associate Vicar of St Mary’s Church Bramall Lane in Sheffield.
Richard is SSM Priest-in-Charge of the Parishes of Burghwallis and Campsall in Doncaster and is also Director of the regional STEM programmes at Sheffield Hallam University. In addition, Richard is a Bishop’s adviser at local and national selection panels.
Candidates may also meet for a number of sessions with one of the team of Vocations Advisors to explore their calling and discern the right path.
When the time is right, the DDO or one of the ADDOs will work with candidates towards an interview with a Local Selection Panel before meeting with the Bishop to discuss sponsorship for a Bishop’s Advisory Panel (BAP).
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5 Vocations Advisers
Here is a list of Vocations Advisers in the Sheffield Diocese. Your Director of Ordinands may ask you to contact one of them for some conversations about the vocations process.
Revd Margaret Caunt Revd Canon Richard Parker Vicar of St James’ Anston Vicar of Hoyland Revd Dr Jeremy Clines Revd Gary Schofield Chaplain to the University of Sheffield Vicar of St. John the Baptist, Wales Revd John Hutchison Revd Eleanor Robertshaw Formerly Chaplain of Sheffield Children’s Rector, The Great Snaith Team Hospital Revd Canon Julian Sullivan Revd Canon Peter Ingram Vicar of St Mary’s, Bramall Lane Vicar of Holy Trinity Millhouses Revd Ann Walton Revd Hilary Jowett Rector of Adwick-le-Street Team Rector of Gleadless Revd Anesia Nascimento Cook Associate Vicar, Rotherham Minster
The following people act on behalf of the Bishop at a Local Selection Panel and also at national BAPs for non-Sheffield candidates. Mrs Janet Atkinson Canon Dr George Lings Bishop’s Lay Pastoral Adviser Director of The Church Army Sheffield Revd Neil Bowler Revd Andrew Mauchan Vicar of St John’s Ranmoor Bishop’s Pastoral Adviser Revd Canon Keith Farrow Revd Canon Julie Upton Canon Missioner at Sheffield Cathedral Team Rector of Sheffield Manor Revd Canon Geoffrey Harbord Revd Dr Richard Walton Chaplain to the Bishop of Sheffield Reader at Sheffield Hallam University Revd Canon Liz Turner-Loisel Revd Canon Lydia Wells Priest in Charge of Hatfield St Retired vicar of St Oswald’s Abbeydale Lawrence and Area Dean of Snaith and St Peter’s Millhouses and Hatfield Mrs Lynne Quinney Dr Linda Kirk Bishop’s Lay Pastoral Advisor Formerly Senior Lecturer in History, University of Sheffield
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6 3. The Discernment Process
I think God may be calling me to be ordained. What do I do?
God calls us all as his children and we all have vocations or callings to different areas of life: to be a doctor, a lawyer, to work in business or as an aid-worker.
Some people are called by God to minister in his Church. There are numerous different callings: to be ordained as a priest or distinctive deacon, to minister as a Reader, to take vows as a monk or nun, or to work as a Church Army Evangelist.
Mainly this pack is aimed at people considering the call to ordained ministry, but there is information that you may find useful if you feel a calling to another type of ministry within the Anglican Church.
The first step is to speak to your parish priest, who will be very pleased to talk this through with you. You may be surprised to find that he or she may have been waiting for you to come and see them about vocation for some time! It may also be good to share your feelings with some close Christian friends, who will talk and pray this through with you.
If your parish priest feels that you do have a potential vocation to ordained ministry to be explored, he or she will refer you to the Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO), who is Revd Stephen Hunter for the Sheffield Diocese. You will meet with him and he will outline the discernment and selection process to you and check if there are any matters that you need to address before entering the formal process. Once he is satisfied that you are a potential ordinand, he will refer you on to a Vocations Adviser or an Assistant DDO, for several months of reflection, study, and prayer. Later, you may undertake a placement, do a course of theological study, and then prepare for a Diocesan Local Panel. This part of the selection is based on the Bishops’ Criteria for Selection for Minis- try.
The DDO or Assistant DDO will then arrange for you to meet with the Bishop who, if he is satisfied with the report from the DDO, will make the decision as to whether you should attend a Bishops' Advisory Panel (BAP), organised by the Ministry Division. This is a three-day residential conference, held in a retreat house. At the end of the conference, the Advisors will write a report to the Bishop, advising whether they recom- mend that you should enter training for ordained ministry.
Once the Bishop has confirmed the Panel’s recommendation, he will sponsor you for training. The type of training will depend on you and the ministry you are to exercise within the Church. The DDO will discuss the different options and generally training will be for either two or three years.
The decision as to whether you will be ordained will be made by the Bishop, having tak- en advice from the Principal of your training college or course during your final year of training.
It normally takes between twelve and eighteen months between a candidate seeing the DDO and entering training, but can take longer.
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4. Confidentiality
People exploring ordination are advised that whatever emerges as part of the process of discernment is liable to be shared with those who are part of the decision-making process within the Diocese, and with the Advisors should the candidate be sponsored for a Selec- tion Conference.
Confidentiality is to be maintained within the process but not between its separate parts.
If the person considering ordination wishes to discuss matters in confidence this should be done with their spiritual director or other such companion.
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9 5. What does the Church of England believe about ordination?
The following is taken from the liturgy for ordination and will give you an idea of what you would be signing up for:
Deacons The bishop introduces the service
God calls his people to follow Christ, and forms us into a royal priesthood, a holy nation, to declare the wonderful deeds of him who has called us out of darkness into his marvellous light.
The Church is the Body of Christ, the people of God and the dwelling-place of the Holy Spirit. In baptism the whole Church is summoned to witness to God's love and to work for the coming of his kingdom.
To serve this royal priesthood, God has given a variety of ministries. Deacons are ordained so that the people of God may be better equipped to make Christ known. Theirs is a life of visible self-giving. Christ is the pattern of their calling and their commission; as he washed the feet of his disciples, so they must wash the feet of others.
Deacons are called to work with the Bishop and the priests with whom they serve as heralds of Christ's kingdom. They are to proclaim the gospel in word and deed, as agents of God's purposes of love. They are to serve the community in which they are set, bringing to the Church the needs and hopes of all the people. They are to work with their fellow members in searching out the poor and weak, the sick and lonely and those who are oppressed and powerless, reaching into the forgotten corners of the world, that the love of God may be made visible.
Deacons share in the pastoral ministry of the Church and in leading God's people in worship. They preach the word and bring the needs of the world before the Church in intercession. They accompany those searching for faith and bring them to baptism. They assist in administering the sacraments; they distribute communion and minister to the sick and housebound.
Deacons are to seek nourishment from the Scriptures; they are to study them with God's people, that the whole Church may be equipped to live out the gospel in the world. They are to be faithful in prayer, expectant and watchful for the signs of God's presence, as he reveals his kingdom among us.
The bishop addresses the ordinands directly
We trust that you are fully determined, by the grace of God, to give yourself wholly to his service, that you may draw his people into that new life which God has prepared for those who love him.
And now, in order that we may know your mind and purpose, you must make the declarations we put to you.
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Do you accept the Holy Scriptures as revealing all things necessary for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? Ordinands: I do so accept them.
Will you be diligent in prayer, in reading Holy Scripture, and in all studies that will deepen your faith and fit you to bear witness to the truth of the gospel? Ordinands: By the help of God, I will.
Do you believe the doctrine of the Christian faith as the Church of England has received it, and in your ministry will you expound and teach it? Ordinands: I believe it and will so do.
Will you strive to make the love of Christ known through word and example, and have a particular care for those in need?
The following response is given to each of the following questions Ordinands: By the help of God, I will.
Will you be a faithful servant in the household of God, after the example of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve?
Will you endeavour to fashion your own life and that of your household according to the way of Christ, that you may be a pattern and example to Christ's people?
Will you work with your fellow servants in the gospel for the sake of the kingdom of God?
Will you accept the discipline of this Church and give due respect to those in authority?
Will you then, in the strength of the Holy Spirit, continually stir up the gift of God that is in you, to grow in holiness and grace?
Priests The bishop introduces the service (as for deacons), then continues
To serve this royal priesthood, God has given particular ministries. Priests are ordained to lead God's people in the offering of praise and the proclamation of the gospel. They share with the Bishop in the oversight of the Church, delighting in its beauty and rejoicing in its well-being. They are to set the example of the Good Shepherd always before them as the pattern of their calling. With the Bishop and their fellow presbyters, they are to sustain the community of the faithful by the ministry of word and sacrament, that we all may grow into the fullness of Christ and be a living sacrifice acceptable to God. The ordinands stand before the bishop, who addresses the congregation Bishop: Priests are called to be servants and shepherds among the people to whom they are sent. With their Bishop and fellow ministers, they are to proclaim the word of the Lord and to watch for the signs of God's new creation. They are to be messengers, watchmen and stewards of the Lord; they are to teach and to admonish, to feed and provide for his family, to search for his children in the wilderness of this world's temptations, and to guide them through its confusions, that they may be saved through Christ for ever. Formed by the word, they are to call their hearers to repentance and to de- clare in Christ's name the absolution and forgiveness of their sins.
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With all God's people, they are to tell the story of God's love. They are to baptize new disciples in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and to walk with them in the way of Christ, nurturing them in the faith. They are to unfold the Scriptures, to preach the word in season and out of season, and to declare the mighty acts of God. They are to preside at the Lord's table and lead his people in worship, offering with them a spiritual sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. They are to bless the people in God's name. They are to resist evil, support the weak, defend the poor, and intercede for all in need. They are to minister to the sick and prepare the dying for their death. Guided by the Spirit, they are to discern and foster the gifts of all God's people, that the whole Church may be built up in unity and faith.
The bishop addresses the ordinands directly
We trust that long ago you began to weigh and ponder all this, and that you are fully determined, by the grace of God, to devote yourself wholly to his service, so that as you daily follow the rule and teaching of our Lord and grow into his likeness, God may sanctify the lives of all with whom you have to do.
And now, in order that we may know your mind and purpose, you must make the declarations we put to you.
Do you accept the Holy Scriptures as revealing all things necessary for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? Ordinands: I do so accept them.
Will you be diligent in prayer, in reading Holy Scripture, and in all studies that will deepen your faith and fit you to bear witness to the truth of the gospel?
The following response is used for each of the following questions Ordinands: By the help of God, I will.
Will you lead Christ's people in proclaiming his glorious gospel, so that the good news of salvation may be heard in every place?
Will you faithfully minister the doctrine and sacraments of Christ as the Church of England has received them, so that the people committed to your charge may be defended against error and flourish in the faith?
Will you, knowing yourself to be reconciled to God in Christ, strive to be an instrument of God's peace in the Church and in the world?
Will you endeavour to fashion your own life and that of your household according to the way of Christ, that you may be a pattern and example to Christ's people?
Will you work with your fellow servants in the gospel for the sake of the kingdom of God?
Will you accept and minister the discipline of this Church, and respect authority duly exer- cised within it?
Will you then, in the strength of the Holy Spirit, continually stir up the gift of God that is in you, to make Christ known among all whom you serve?
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12 6. Selection Criteria
On the left is a summary of the Criteria for discernment of vocation prior to training for or- dained ministry in the Church of England, authorised by the House of Bishops. On the right are questions to consider relating to each of the nine criteria. It is important to re- flect on these deeply as Advisors will use these criteria as guidelines for discernment throughout the whole process.
A Vocation
Candidates should be able to speak of a How have you come to recognise growing sense of being called by God to your call? ministry and mission, referring both to their (in yourself and from others) own inner conviction and the extent to which others have confirmed it. Their sense of What do you believe you are being vocation should be obedient, realistic and called to be or do? informed. Candidates should also be able to Do you have the wherewithal to demonstrate ways in which their vocation has realise this vocation? had an impact on their life.
B Ministry within the Church of England
Candidates should demonstrate an under- standing of their own tradition within the What has been the extent of your Church of England, an awareness of the experience of Anglicanism so far? variety of traditions and practice that are What attracts you about the Church encompassed within the Church of England of England? and commitment to work within that variety. Does anything irritate you? They should be able to speak of the distinc- How does the nature of society today tiveness of ministry within the Church of affect the ministry and role of the England and of what it means to be a Church of England? deacon, priest or accredited lay minister. They should show a commitment to a ministry of Gospel proclamation through word and sacrament, pastoral care and social action.
C Spirituality
Candidates should show commitment to a What is your personal pattern of spiritual discipline, involving individual and worship and prayer? corporate prayer and worship, including a What spiritual disciplines do you find developing pattern of disciplined daily prayer, most helpful? Bible study and regular receiving of Holy Are there things you find difficult in Communion. Their spiritual practice should prayer and worship? be able to sustain and energise them in train- ing and ministry. They should demonstrate a How has God guided you in the connection between their prayer life and daily past? living and show an understanding of God’s activity in their life.
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13 D Personality and character
Candidates should show an appropriate What are your strategies for coping with degree of self-awareness and change? self-acceptance, and sufficient maturity to How do you deal with criticism? sustain the demanding role of a minister. Do you believe in speaking the plain, They should be able to face change and ungarnished truth at all times? pressure in a flexible and balanced way. Reflect on a recent situation where you They should be people of integrity and be had to confront another person: how did seen as such by others. They should you handle it? demonstrate a desire and capacity for further self-development and growth.
E Relationships
Candidates should show an awareness of Do you make friends easily? their strengths, weaknesses and vulnerabilities in order to demonstrate a How do you cope with a room full of capacity to build and develop healthy strangers? personal, pastoral and professional Do you work best in league with others relationships, together with an awareness or on your own? of the power dynamic inherent within such Who are the people closest to you and relationships. Candidates should show what role do they play in your life? evidence of integrity in all aspects of their life and relationships; emotional, psycho- logical, physical, sexual, financial, and more generally in matters of honesty. Candidates must submit to the disciplines in Issues in Human Sexuality. They should show an ability to listen to others and demonstrate a willingness to negotiate over disagreements.
F Leadership and collaboration
Candidates should demonstrate the ability ‘I am called to be a priest – not a to offer leadership in the Church manager.’ (Discuss!) community, and to some extent in the How do you believe that priestly authority wider community, and to guide and shape is best exercised? the life of the Church community in its What does the ‘priesthood’ of all mission to the world. This includes a believers’ mean to you? willingness and capacity to draw on and In what sense (if any) does a priest develop the abilities of others. Candidates repre sent God to the people? should be witnesses to the servanthood of Christ and show evidence of providing an example of faith, love and discipleship which is inspiring to others.
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G Faith
Candidates should show an understand- What are the basic tenets of your faith? ing of the Christian faith and a desire to deepen their understanding of it. They Are there situations or areas of your life should demonstrate a personal commit- where you find faith difficult? ment to Christ and a desire and capacity What does the concept of ‘conversion’ to communicate the Gospel. Candidates mean to you? should be able to make connections How do you communicate your faith? between faith and the complex demands How do you ‘discern God in the present of contemporary society. moment’?
H Mission and evangelism
Candidates should demonstrate a wide What does mission mean to you? and inclusive understanding of God’s Give examples of mission that you have mission to the world that permeates their been involved in prayer, thinking and action. They should How would you share your faith with be able to articulate what it means to someone who asked? proclaim the good news of the Kingdom What is the good news of the kingdom and be able to speak of Jesus Christ in a and is it the same for everyone? way that is attractive and appropriate. They should show an awareness of how changes in culture and society have an impact on the life of the Church. They should also show potential as leaders of mission and a commitment to enable others in mission and evangelism.
I Quality of mind
Candidates should have the necessary When you pick up a newspaper, which intellectual capacity and quality of mind to section do you turn to first? undertake satisfactorily a course of What do you like watching on television? theological study and to cope with the What was the most interesting book you intellectual demands of ministry. They have read recently? should demonstrate a desire and commit- What films or music move you and why? ment to engage in theological study and a willingness to embark upon lifelong ministerial and theological formation. Candidates should exhibit a readiness to reflect and enquire.
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7. What type of ministry?
Ordination is the Church’s official recognition of your sense of calling to be a priest or a deacon. It gives you the authority to do certain things in the name of God and the Church. It’s also a sacrament—an outward sign of the grace of God, given to you through the lay- ing-on of hands by the bishop, to enable you to fulfil your calling.
Ordained people point to the life of Christ crucified and risen, encouraging Christians to live more Christ-like lives. They also proclaim the gospel of Christ to people who are not Christians. They share in people’s life journeys, walking with them and sharing their joys and sorrows.
There is no formal career path for priests, but there are lots of opportunities, including for further education and training throughout your ministry. Some ordained people work full- time within the Church of England; others do it as part of their ongoing occupations.
There are stages in the process of being ordained, and there are different jobs available afterwards:
Deacon A person who is accepted for ordination as a priest is first ordained as a deacon. The ministry of a deacon is that of servanthood, within the Church and the wider community. Usually after a year, a deacon is ordained as a priest; however, some people are called to remain life-long distinctive deacons.
Priest The ministry of a priest is one of leadership and mission, helping all Christians to realise their potential as they witness to Christ. They help to build up the Church, through
the celebration of the sacraments (including baptism and holy communion) teaching preaching pastoral care.
Bishop Some priests are called to be bishops. They oversee the life of a diocese, confirm and ordain, and appoint parish priests. They are ‘consecrated’ in order to serve in this ministry.
Different jobs clergy can do...
Curate A curate is in his or her first years of ordained life. They work with the incumbent at the church to which they have been appointed as they continue with their training ‘on the job’ (this is part of what is called initial ministerial education, or IME). A curacy normally lasts for 3 years.
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16 Parish priest A parish priest works mostly within the parish to which they are appointed. They're also likely to act as chaplain to some local organisations (see below). A vicar or rector is called an incumbent, and will have overall responsibility for the life of the parish church and its mission to the community. Parish priests are supported by elected lay officers (such as churchwardens and PCC members), plus any other ordained colleagues. If you become a parish priest, you don’t have to stay doing it forever—you can move in and out of different roles, including chaplaincy, and administration within the diocese or the Archbishops’ Council.
Chaplain Chaplains are ordained or lay people called to ministry in primarily secular (non-church) contexts; full- or part-time, paid or unpaid. They try to meet the spiritual needs of people living, working, studying, caring or being cared for. This may be in education (universities, colleges and schools), hospitals, hospices, prisons, the armed forces, or the workplace. Chaplains serve people in a variety of ways, including pastoral and spiritual support, preaching and teaching, worship and prayer, leading discussion, and exploratory groups and courses for Christians and those exploring prayer and spirituality. Most chaplaincies are ecumenical (multi-denominational) and/or multi-faith teams, usually working within the structures of the organisations in which they serve.
Ordained Pioneer Minister Some ordained ministers feel called to ‘fresh expressions’ of church, working in pioneer- ing ways which are complementary to traditional parish structures. The discernment and selection process for ordained pioneer ministers is the same as for all priests, but you need to have had experience of a fresh expression of church and be able to show good evidence of:
visionary leadership ability a heart for mission and evangelism a commitment to the life and values of the Church of England a spiritual life that is vibrant enough to sustain you in your ministry.
It is important to remember that there are other, non-ordained roles which are also essen- tial in the life of the Church (such as Evangelist, especially in the Church Army; Mission- ary; Lay Pioneer; Diocesan Lay Worker, Worship Leader; Reader; and members of reli- gious communities, such as monks, nuns, friars and sisters).
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8. Ordained ministry: what are the expectations?
As we are exploring your vocation with you, we will be attentive to your inner sense of calling and help you to develop and express this. At the same time though, we will be looking at your vocation in the context of the needs of the whole church and how we can best use the gifts which God has given you.
If you feel you are called to stipendiary ministry at the level of an incumbent (someone who can exercise leadership in a local congregation), we will expect:
that you are willing to undertake two or three years of training, with some academ- ic component;
that you will undertake either residential or non-residential training, but that even the non-residential training will involve some time away from home and on place- ment in a variety of church settings;
that, at the end of your training, you will usually be available for deployment in the Diocese of Sheffield, though we accept that sometimes ordinands ask to be re- leased, or that we have so many candidates that we need to release some to take up a post in another diocese.
that you will be available for deployment throughout the Diocese, which stretches from Goole in the east to Sheffield in the west, and takes in Doncaster, Rother- ham, and parts of Barnsley;
that you, and your family, will be willing to move into clergy housing, which will be in your title parish, or as close as possible to it.
that you will serve a curacy (currently 3 years) and then look for a first incumbency position or a similar more senior role.
that you will be committed to serving at least five years, including your curacy, working for the Church of England (which does not include hospital, prison, or edu- cation chaplaincy positions, or working overseas in the wider Anglican commun- ion) in either a local or wider role.
If you feel you are called to self-supporting (non-stipendiary) ministry at the level of an incumbent, we will expect:
that you are willing to undertake two or three years of training, with some academ- ic component;
that you will undertake non-residential training, which will involve some time away from home and on placement in a variety of church settings;
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that you may be less able than stipendiary candidates to serve across the whole Diocese, but that you will consider serving a curacy within reasonable commuting distance of your own home;
that you will serve a curacy (currently 3 years) and then explore with us future pos- sibilities for a non-stipendiary incumbency, associate priest, or chaplaincy role;
If you feel you are called to self-supporting (non-stipendiary) ministry at the level of an assistant priest, we will expect:
that you are willing to undertake two or three years of training, with a lesser aca- demic component than other training routes, but with a strong focus on contextual theology and skills for ministry;
that, as part of your training, you will undertake placements in a variety of church and chaplaincy settings, which may mean that you are away from your home church for significant periods of time;
that you may, in due course, wish to serve in your home church, but that, in order to gain adequate training, you may be asked to work in a different church for a length of time (perhaps 18 months);
that you will be available more widely in the longer term to work, at the request of the Bishop, across the deanery, or in other specific Diocesan roles.
In return, you can expect: that we will take seriously the gifts you bring and the commitment you are offering; that we will bear in mind your family situation when considering training and placement options; that you will be supported financially with a book and travel grant and that your academic fees will be paid if you undertake non-residential training; that you will be supported financially with study costs and that your academic fees will be paid if you undertake residential training; that you (and, if you have one, your family) will be supported in terms of housing, food, travel, and general living costs if you undertake residential training (though we hope your spouse will be able to work to contribute towards your living expenses if at all possible). You can see the grant forms which would be used to calculate the level of your financial support here: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/lifeevents/ministry/workofmindiv/ adminandfinance/mindivforms/grantforms/ that we will pay your removal costs to and from college (but not usually storage costs for additional furniture which you are unable to take with you); that we will support you in finding a title parish in which to serve your curacy, whether that is in this Diocese or another.
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19 9. Training
Initial Ministerial Education (IME) for the clergy comprises the two to three years before ordination to the diaconate and the three years of the initial curacy. IME for licensed lay ministers (Readers) increasingly follows a similar pattern.
What sort of training?
There is a wide variety of residential training colleges, as well as local non-residential courses such as the Yorkshire Ministry Course. In discussion with the DDO, and taking into account factors such as age, previous education, and family circumstances, you will be able to decide with the bishop and DDO the most appropriate training route.
You can find out more by looking at the websites of English or Welsh theological colleges:
The College of the Resurrection, Mirfield Cranmer Hall, Durham Oak Hill, London Queen’s College, Birmingham Ridley Hall, Cambridge Ripon College, Cuddesdon, Oxford St Barnabas Theological Centre, Sheffield St John’s College, Nottingham St Mellitus, London St Michael’s College, Llandaff St Stephen’s House, Oxford Trinity Hall, Bristol Westcott House, Cambridge Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, Yorkshire Ministry Course
For those who are thinking of Assistant Self-Supporting Ministry it is also possible to train for a slightly reduced length of time, plus some additional placements, at Sheffield’s own School of Ministry/St. Peter’s College.
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20 10. Some questions to consider
Often the first step in the discernment process is meeting with a Vocations Adviser. Here are some questions you may want to consider before you meet. Perhaps you want to chat them through with a friend or write down your answers. The questions begin with some general reflections on vocations, then deal specifically with ordination.
What am I good at? What am I learning to be good at?
What do I enjoy most? Is there an activity I find especially fulfilling? What do I enjoy about it?
What accomplishments make me feel best?
What would I do with my days if money were not an issue? Compare that with now…
What step towards my vocation/purpose can I do practically?
What have I learned about purpose from failures?
Who do I admire for using their talent? How am I like them and what can I learn from them?
What’s the vision for my life this year? ....for five years? ....for ten years?
What would I like to be remembered for? What would I like to read in my obituary?
What forms of ministry have I considered?
What is it about ordination that attracts me?
What gave me the idea of ordination? If someone suggested it, who?
Did respect or admiration for a particular priest draw me to the idea?
What are the particular activities that attract me?
What parts of the work, as I see it, do I most want to do?
Who are the people I most want to concern myself with or minister to?
What will I offer them, and how?
What gifts do I think are required for this work?
What gifts do other people think I have? How have they communicated this to me?
What will my Christian ministry be if I am not ordained?
What would my reaction be if I am not recommended for training?
Vocations
21 11. The discernment process: your marital status
Your marital history (and that of your current or prospective spouse) must be taken into account during your discernment process.
What is the legal position?
The Church of England’s starting point is that no one “shall be admitted into holy orders who has re-married and, the other party to that marriage being alive, has a former spouse still living; or who is married to a person who has been previously married and whose for- mer spouse is still living.” However, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York “may grant a faculty for the removal of the impediment”. This is known as a C4 Faculty.
Who needs to apply for a C4 Faculty?
You will need a C4 Faculty from the Archbishop of York before you can be sponsored for a Bishops’ Advisory Panel if you have a previous spouse living or if you are married to a partner with a previous spouse living. Please note that your current marriage must be at least three years old before an applica- tion can be made.
What if my personal circumstances change?
If you are divorced and single and remarry during selection or training, or if you have nev- er been married and marry a divorced person with a previous spouse who is still living, you will have to wait for 3 years before applying for a C4 faculty. You should know that, even if you are part way through training, your ordination would not be guaranteed after those three years, and you might need to be interviewed by a Candidates’ Panel.
How do I apply for a C4 Faculty?
Your first step will be to share your marital history with your DDO during your first interview. If the DDO feels that you should explore your vocation to ordination further, he or she will refer you to Sarah Bowler, the Bishop’s C4 Adviser. Sarah will explore your marital history in detail with you and will come to a view about the likelihood of a C4 faculty being granted. She will report accordingly to Bishop Peter, who may want to talk to you himself. He will decide whether or not continuing to explore a vo- cation to ordination is realistic.
If the answer is yes, you will continue discernment until you are ready for a Local Panel. If they recommend you, you will be referred back to Sarah Bowler to apply formally for the C4 Faculty from the Archbishop of York.
If this is granted the Bishop will see you again and if he decides he can sponsor you, you will go to the Bishop’s Advisory Panel.
You should be aware that, although those involved with you in your discernment process will try to deal with these issues with all possible sensitivity, the process itself may prove to be unsettling or painful for you and/or your partner. It will be important for you to talk about this together before you decide to proceed with the discernment process.
Vocations
22 12. What happens now?
If you haven’t done so already:
Pray Talk to your incumbent or Area Dean Ask your vicar to write to the Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO) When you have an appointment with the DDO then fill out the attached forms and bring them with your current curriculum vitae (CV) for your initial conversation.
In the meantime here are some suggestions for reading:
On vocation
How to Find your Vocation John Adair (Canterbury Press, 2000) Called or Collared? Francis Dewar (new edition, SPCK, 2000) This is our Calling Charles Richardson (SPCK, 2004) Wisdom and Ministry: The Call to Leadership M Sadgrove (SPCK, 2008)
On ordained ministry
Being a Priest Today Christopher Cocksworth & Rosalind Brown (Canterbury Press, 2002) Ministry in Three Dimensions Steven Croft (DLT, 1999) The Christian Priest Today Michael Ramsey (SPCK, 1972) Ministry and Priesthood Alastair Redfern (DLT, 1999) The Life and Work of a Priest John Pritchard (SPCK, 2007) Praying for England : Priestly Presence in Contemporary Culture. Eds. Sam Wells & Sarah Coakley (continuum 2008) Making God Possible - the Task of Ordained Ministry Present and Future Alan Billings (SPCK 2010) What Clergy Do: Especially When it Looks Like Nothing Emma Percy (SPCK 2014) Motherhood as a Metaphor for Ministry Emma Percy (Ashgate 2014)
On Anglicanism
Anglicanism: A Very Short Introduction Mark Chapman (OUP, 2006) C of E: The State it’s In Monica Furlong (Hodder & Stoughton, 2000) How to be an Anglican Richard Giles (Canterbury Press, 2003) Being Anglican Alastair Redfern (DLT, 2000)
On spirituality
Praying the Jesus Prayer Together Simon Barrington-Ward & Brother Ramon (BRF, 2001) Praying Through Life Stephen Cottrell (CHP, 1998) God of Surprises Gerard Hughes (BRF, 1993) Holiness Donald Nicholl (DLT, 1981) How I Pray John Wilkins (Ed) (DLT, 1993) Barefoot Disciple Stephen Cherry (continuum 2011)
In addition, the booklets in the Grove Books series are often good introductions to aspects of spirituality.
On biblical studies
Introducing the OT J Drane (revised edition, Lion, 2000) Introduction to Biblical Studies S Moyise (Cassell, 1998)
Vocations 23 On Christian faith and theology
Reasonable Belief Anthony & Richard Hanson (OUP, 1981) The Essence of Christianity Brian Hebblethwaite (SPCK, 1996) Christianity: A Short Introduction Keith Ward (SPCK, 2000)
On liturgy and worship
Holy, Holy, Holy: Worshipping the Trinitarian God Christopher Cocksworth Creating Uncommon Worship Richard Giles (Canterbury Press, 2004)
On mission and evangelism
Mission-shaped Church—Missionary Values, Church Planting and Fresh Expressions of Church Paul Bayes (Grove Booklet Ev 67, 2004) Presence and Prophesy Mission Theological Advisory Group (CHP, 2002) Mission-Shaped Church Mission and Public Affairs (CHP, 2004) Ancient faith, Future Mission: Fresh expression in the sacramental tradition Eds .S. Croft and E. Mobsby (Canterbury Press 2009)
On self-knowledge and pastoral relationships
Knowing Me Knowing You Malcolm Goldsmith & Martin Wharton (SPCK, 1993) Swift to Hear Michael Jacobs (SPCK, 2000) Still Small Voice Michael Jacobs (SPCK, 2001)
On religious life
Anglican Religious Communities Year Book (Canterbury Press) Unveiled: Nuns Talking Mary Loudon (Ebury/Vintage, 1993) Sing a New Song: The Christian Vocation Timothy Radcliffe, OP(Dominican Publications, 1999)
On diversity issues
Rejection, Resistance and Resurrection: Speaking Out Against Racism in the Church Mukti Barton (Darton, Longman & Todd, 2005) Black Theology in Britain: A Reader Ed Michael Jagessar & Anthony Reddie (Equinox, 2007) An Amazing Journey: The Church of England’s Response to Institutional Racism Glynne Gordon-Carter (Church House Publishing, 2003) Present and Participating: A Place at the Table - A Report from the Committee for Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns (General Synod [GS 1655], 2007)
A much fuller reading list can be found at:
http://www.callwaiting.org.uk/reading-list.aspx
Vocations
24 Select List of Novels with Theological Themes
The list below provides some titles of novels, which explore theological themes. The list is far from exhaustive.
Mitch Albom: The Five People You Meet in Heaven Saul Bellow: Henderson the Rain King Georges Bernanos: The Diary of a Country Priest Fydor Dostoyevsky: The Brothers Karamazov Shasuko Endo: Silence Catherine Fox: Angels and Men William Golding: Darkness Visible Rites of Passage The Spire Graham Greene: The Power and the Glory Monsignor Quixote Burnt Out Case Hermann Hesse: Narziss and Goldmund Siddhartha Susan Howatch: Glittering Images P D James: Death in Holy Orders Children of Men Barbara Kingsolver: The Poisonwood Bible Sue Monk Kidd: The Secret Life of Bees David Lodge: Therapy Sara Maitland: Brittle Joys Brian Moore: Black Robe The Statement Iris Murdoch: The Bell Barbara Pym: A Glass of Blessings Sally Vickers: Miss Garnet’s Angel Mr Golightly’s Holiday Morris West: The Devil’s Advocate Shoes of the Fisherman Lazarus The Clowns of God Eminence
List of Useful Websites and Resources:
The Church of England website: www.cofe.anglican.org/lifeevents/ministry/ministryinthecofe Young Vocations: www.callwaiting.org.uk particularly if you are between 18-30 and considering vocations. Church Army: www.churcharmy.org.uk Readers: www.readers.cofe.anglican.org Lay Training in Sheffield Diocese www.churchofengland.org/clergy-office-holders/ministry/readers-.aspx Pioneer Ministry: http://www.freshexpressions.org.uk/ Religious Life as a monk or nun: www.thekingdomisyours.org.uk
Vocations
25 13. Forms
Application Form (Expression of Interest)
Statement of Financial Position Form
Protection of Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults Declaration
Data Protection Form
Vocations
Application form for the Process of Discernment for Ordained Ministry in Sheffield Diocese
MR ¨ SURNAME Initials MRS ¨ MISS ¨ PREVIOUS SURNAME AGE MS ¨ (if different) All forenames The name you prefer to use DR ¨ OTHER ¨ FORENAME(S) …………………...
ADDRESS PERMANENT PRESENT (if different)
Postcode Postcode
Telephone number DAY MOBILE EVENING Email address
DATES (DD/MM/YY) BIRTH BAPTISM CONFIRMATION NATIONALITY NAT INS NO. PRESENT OCCUPATION
SINGLE ¨ IF MARRIED, DATE OF MARRIAGE
ENGAGED ¨ SPOUSE’S FORENAME OCCUPATION MARRIED ¨ HAVE YOU OR YOUR SPOUSE/FIANCE(E) SEPARATED ¨ BEEN MARRIED PREVIOUSLY TO A PARTNER WHO IS STILL LIVING? Tick Yes ¨ No ¨ DIVORCED ¨ CHILDREN’S NAMES AND DATES OF BIRTH WIDOWED ¨
PARISH CHURCH YOU USUALLY ATTEND
HAVE YOU BEEN ADMITTED TO THE OFFICE OF READER?
DO YOU HAVE ANY CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS?
Signed ……………………………………………………………………..………….. Date ………………………………………….
Please return this form, along with proof of your baptism and confirmation to your Director of Ordinands. Please also return your Statement of Financial Position Form and Child Declaration Form. Statement of Financial Position Form
Name Diocese College/Course/Scheme
Bank/Building Society Bank/Building Society Overdraft Loan Mortgage Total outstanding Monthly repayments
1. Student Loans Company Student Loans (1) (include date of loan(s))
2. Other student loans
Loans from family and friends Other loans, including any business/ professional loans Hire Purchase Total outstanding Monthly repay- ments Car
Household goods
Other items
Credit/Store Cards Please give details of balances which cannot be paid within the current month. 1.
2.
3.
Any other continuing financial obligations (2)
MANAGEMENT OF A DEBT If there is an existing debt or other significant financial obligation, please give details of how it is planned that this will be managed.
Signature ______Date______
NOTES
PURPOSE
The purpose of this form is to ensure that candidates embark upon ordained ministry free of significant financial difficulties. This is of particular importance in the case of candidates who will be ordained to a stipendiary title since the level of stipend is not intended to cover the repayment of existing debts. The form should be completed by all candidates prior to attending a Bishops’ Advisory Panel. Candidates who have incumbent ministry in their category of sponsorship are asked to complete the form again at the end of the penultimate year of training. It is important to stress that this form must be completed carefully and with total honesty.
SPOUSES In the case of married candidates who are applying or who have applied for a dioce- san family maintenance grant, the candidate’s spouse is asked to jointly complete and sign the form or, if preferred, to complete a separate form.
(1) STUDENT LOANS It should be noted that grants from Central Church Funds are allocated on the basis that ordinands will not receive loans within the Government Student Loan Scheme. The Student Loan Scheme, up until September 1998, stipulated that a loan need not be repaid in any year where a graduate’s income falls below 85% of national average earnings. Student loans taken out from September 1998 do, however, have to be re- paid, in instalments, where earned income is in excess of £15,000 per annum.
(2) OTHER CONTINUING FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS Such obligations may include alimony; maintenance payments made through the Child Support Agency or voluntarily; financial obligations involving leased property; outstanding bills which, for whatever reason, will be unable to be paid on time. Bishops’ Advisory Panel on selection for training for ordained ministry
CONFIDENTIAL DECLARATION
Protection of Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults
For ordinands who are likely to be in regular and direct contact with children, young people under eighteen years of age and vulnerable adults.
This form is strictly confidential and, except under compulsion of law, will be seen only by those responsible for the appointment and, when appropriate, the Diocesan/ Bishop’s Child Protection Adviser. All forms will be kept securely under the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998. If you answer yes to any question, please give details, on a separate sheet if neces- sary, giving the number of the question you are answering.
1a Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence (including any spent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974)?*
Please tick YES NO
If yes, please state the nature and date(s) of the of- fence(s), continuing on a separate sheet if necessary.
1b Have you ever been cautioned by the police, given a reprimand or warning or bound over to keep the peace?
Please tick YES NO
If yes, please give full details, con- tinuing on a sepa- rate sheet if necessary.
1c Are you at present under investigation by the police or an employer for any offence?
Please tick YES NO
If yes, please give full details, con- tinuing on a sepa- rate sheet if necessary.
1d Has your name been placed on the Protection of Children Act (PoCA) list, List 99 or the Protection of Vulnerable Adults list (PoVA), barring you from work with children or vulnera- ble people?
Please tick YES NO
If yes, please give full details, continuing on a separate sheet if necessary.
1e Have you ever been found by a court exercising civil jurisdiction (including matrimonial or family jurisdiction) to have caused significant harm** to a child, young person under the age of eighteen years, or vulnerable adult, or has any such court made an order against you on the basis of any finding or allegation that any child, young person or vulnerable adult was at risk of significant harm from you?
Please tick YES NO
If yes, please give full details, continuing on a separate sheet if necessary.
2a Has your conduct ever caused or been likely to cause significant harm to a child, young person under the age of eighteen or vulnerable adult, or put a child, young person or vulnerable adult at risk of significant harm?
Please tick YES NO
If yes, please give full details, continuing on a separate sheet if necessary.
2b To your knowledge, has it ever been alleged that your conduct has resulted in any of those things?
Please tick YES NO
If yes, please give details, including the date(s) and nature of the conduct, or alleged con- duct, and whether you were dismissed, disciplined, moved to other work or resigned from any paid or voluntary work as a result.
3 Has a child in your care or for whom you have or had parental responsibility ever been removed from your care, been placed on the Child Protection Register or been the subject of a care order, a supervision order, a child assessment order or an emergency protection order under the Children Act 1989, or a similar order under other legislation?
Please tick YES NO
If yes, please give full details, continuing on a separate sheet if necessary.
4 Have you any health problem (s) which might affect your work with children, young people under the age of eighteen, or vulnerable adults?
Please tick YES NO
If yes, please give full details, con- tinuing on a sep- arate sheet if necessary.
5 Have you, since the age of eighteen, ever been known by any name other than that given below?
Please tick YES NO
If yes, please give full details, con- tinuing on a sep- arate sheet if necessary.
6 Have you, during the past five years, had any home address other than that given below?
Please tick YES NO
If yes, please give full details, con- tinuing on a sep- arate sheet if necessary.
* All previous convictions, with the exception of technical motoring offences leading only to a fine, should be disclosed.
** Significant harm involves serious ill-treatment of any kind including neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse, or impairment of physical or mental health development. It will also include matters such as a sexual relationship with a young person or adult for whom you had pastoral responsibility.
Declaration
I declare that the above information (and that on the attached sheets ***) is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
Signed……………………………………………………………………………..
Date …………………………………………….…. Date of Birth ………………
Full Name ………………..…………………..……………………………………
Address ………………………………………...…………………………………
…………………………………………………………………….…………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
*** Please delete if not applicable.
Please return completed form to your Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO).
Before you attend a Bishop’s Advisory Panel you must provide an enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Consult with the DDO about the process for this. Notes for the Confidential Declaration form
Questions 1a and 1b: Declare all convictions, cautions, warnings or reprimands however old or whether you are at present under investigation by the police. Motoring offences that cannot be dealt with by a prison sentence need not be declared. Posts where the person is working or coming into regular contact with children or vulnerable adults are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Convictions obtained abroad must be declared as well as those from the UK.
Question 1c: You must declare any finding of fact by a civil court that your actions have significantly harmed a child, young person or vulnerable adult. Declare any court orders made on this basis.
Question 1e: Declare if you are at present under investigation by the police, social services or an employer.
Question 2a: Make any statement you wish regarding any incident you wish to de- clare.
Question 2b: Declare any complaints or allegations made against you, however long ago, that you have significantly harmed a child, young person or vulnerable adult. Any allegation or complaint which has been investigated by the police, Children’s Ser- vices, an employer or voluntary body must be declared. Checks will be made with the relevant authorities.
Question 3: All these matters will be checked with the relevant authorities.
Question 4: Please declare in confidence any health problems that may affect your ability to work with children, young people or vulnerable adults. This question is primarily intended to help you if you subsequently need to withdraw from work with children, young people or vulnerable adults, for example because of a recurring health problem.
Some of the information requested on the form will be checked with the Criminal Records Bureau. All information received will be carefully assessed to decide whether it is rele- vant to the post applied for and will only be used for the purpose of protecting children, young people or vulnerable adults.
Use of the Confidential Declaration In accordance with the Criminal Records Bureau code of practice great care must be tak- en to ensure that those with criminal convictions are not discriminated against. Background information should only be taken into account if it is relevant to the position sought. The CRB advise that anyone seeking an appointment with children, young people or vulnerable adults should be given an early opportunity to declare any relevant matters. The Confidential Declaration form should be used for this purpose. Information declared will either be checked with the Criminal Records Bureau or with other relevant authorities. A confidential declaration must be held by the person who makes the appointment or provides the licence for all clergy and those paid employees and volunteers who have contact with children, young people or vulnerable adults.
31 Data Protection Using your Personal Information Discernment
In accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998, I give my express con- sent to you holding and processing sensitive personal and other data about me on my personal file relating to this employment.
Using your personal information for Discerning Vocation to, and for Selection for, Or- dained or Licensed Lay Ministry in the Church of England.
The Diocesan Director of Ordinands will use the personal information which he/ she holds about you (supplied by you and your referees) to discern your vocation to ordained or li- censed lay ministry in the Church of England; and, where appropriate, to enable you to be assessed by a Bishop’s Advisory Panel; and, if you are recommended for training, to assist in making arrangements for your training and financial support. He/ She will share your information as necessary with your diocesan bishop, sponsoring bishop, members and staff of the Bishops' Advisory Panel, and with any training institution to which you ap- ply. I agree that the Diocesan Director of Ordinands may use my personal information as described above.
I agree that my personal information may be used as described above.
Signed:
Print your name:
Date: