Christian Vocation: Ordained Ministry The Starting Point

The beginning of the vocational journey is Baptism.

At the heart of our faith we believe up after a church social to reading In this document our starting point is vocation further with the Area that through baptism all Christians or administering communion in when someone has articulated a sense Director of Ordinands (ADO), to are called to fulfil their Christian services, to undertaking positions of of vocation to ordained ministry or be then presented to the Bishop and Vocation in the world. Throughout leadership as Churchwarden or as a religious life and would like to pursue prepared for the Selection Conference our lives this can take many and Licensed Lay Minister. it further. (known as a BAP, the Bishops various forms; vocation is not a static Advisory Panel) - and to support concept but forever changing and And finally (at the bottom of Whilst we recognise that vocations them through to the point of training developing as God calls new things the heap!) God calls some of the can be nurtured and encouraged and if recommended, and even moreso if out of us. But importantly vocations Baptised to follow a vocation in that it is an important responsibility not recommended. can be expressed in driving a bus, ordained ministry or the religious for each priest to promote a culture in being an accountant, cleaning an life. Sometimes this is seen as the which this happens, the resources for At any stage the candidate or ADO office or in missionary work (not just peak of vocational calling, but this are elsewhere. See resources list may decide to slow or stop the in the so-called caring professions of even a simple examination of the on page 8. process but typically from referral medicine, nursing, teaching, social Gospel and Christian tradition to an ADO to BAP will take 6 - 12 work, etc.). will remind us that such ministries The purpose of this document is to months with training beginning the following September. It is unusual for are fundamentally about service, provide a simple reference for priests a candidate to be able to start training Alongside this primary vocation following Jesus who calls us to serve to work with individuals exploring in September if they have not started and calling to be God’s holy people (Matthew 20:25-28). their vocation. the process with an ADO at least prior in the world, Christians are also to July the previous year. called to support and be active in The aim is to work with them to their local churches. This calling will the point where they are ready for include everything from washing the next steps – to explore their The discernment process will follow the stages outlined —

6—Interview with bishop

7—Bishop’s decision to sponsor

1—Discernment with incumbent 8—Preparation for BAP

2—Area specific events: vocations or discernment groups 9—Attend BAP

3—Initial discussion/allocation to an ADO 10—Panel decision advised by bishop. Debrief report with ADO

4—Meetings with ADO to explore 9 criteria in depth and prepare for selection process 11—Finalise funding and financial arrangements

5—Interview with two assessors and a psychotherapist 12—Start training Working With a Vocation • Vocation discernment groups • Exploration of other churches/ these may be offered at parish traditions through worship/ level or there may be groups run placements to understand the at the Area as part of the Area breadth of the Church or England. Discernment process. Contact with others going through the • Experience of positions of process formally or informally is responsibility: PCC member, a good idea for mutual support group leader. There are currently 9 criteria for and learning. • Experience of ministry activities selection of which the primary one is • Theological study – there are leading intercessions, serving, very good discipleship and giving talks or preaching, pastoral Vocation as summarised— introductory theology courses care, baptism visiting. available at Area/Diocese and theological colleges as well as • Keeping a journal. parish level for example the “Candidates should be able to candidates would be able to articulate St Edmunds Course in • Finding a Spiritual director articulate a sense of vocation to the in their own words the story of their Christian Studies. or equivalent. ordained ministry and reflect on the calling. They will also understand the effect of this on their life. They should discernment process in outline and be • Regular one to one meetings • Identification of and discussion be able to speak of the development ready to be referred to the next stage supplemented by conversations with priestly role models and of their inner conviction and the with an ADO. with members of the a mentor. extent to which others have confirmed congregation and/or others in the it. They should be able to show an Your primary role is to provide leadership team. Discussion of understanding of what it means to be supportive direction and accompany books using a reading list. a deacon or a priest. Their sense of them on the journey. But you do vocation should be obedient, realistic also act as a gatekeeper, to challenge and informed.” and redirect if you do not share their conviction for a vocation. In working with candidates it Referral is recommended that you focus Whilst most of the work you do principally on this criteria (though with the candidate will be in one to you may wish to support the process one discussion it may be helpful to You are encouraged to talk to the and why you support their sense of exploration of the other criteria), introduce other elements to the process ADO at any time for advice and of vocation or you may be asked such as... setting up a programme of discussion, at the appropriate time you would for a comment against each of the and reflection to look at each of recommend them to the ADO. Please 9 criteria. Where possible in your the key elements. At the end of this check in advance the form of this referral please use quotes from stage you will be satisfied that the referral, for example it could be a others or examples to illustrate short report in which you describe your recommendation. the candidate, their journey to date Contacts & Resources:

Area Directors of Ordinands: Two Cities: Alan Carr [email protected] Stepney: Irena Edgcumbe irena.edgcumbe@london.anglican.org Kensington: Martin Breadmore [email protected] Edmonton: Marjorie Brown [email protected] Willesden: Andrew Corsie [email protected]

Diocese: Director of Ministry: Neil Evans [email protected] Ordinands and Vocations Officer: Judy Barrett [email protected]

Diocese of London links: clergystudysummit.com londoncallings.uk london.anglican.org

Church of England links: information and resources for clergy and parishes churchofengland.org/clergy-office-holders/vocation.aspx callwaiting.org.uk vocation.churchofengland.org churchsupporthub.org/vocations churchprinthub.org/?cat=430

Introductory Courses stmellitus.org/beginning-theology staugustinescollege.ac.uk/courses/exploring-theology

Work Experience/intern schemes including schemes in Stepney and North London callwaiting.org.uk/cemes