ORDINANDS

The encouragement of vocations for Christian Ministry is the work of the Vocations Advisers, who fulfil this role through talks and personal advice.

Those considering the possibility of ordination should, in the first instance, discuss the matter fully with their parish priest, and with wise lay people within their parish – not only close friends. Where appropriate, the priest will then put them in touch with the Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO) or a Vocations Adviser (see section on Vocations) who will meet with them and discuss their vocation, giving advice both spiritual and practical.

THE PROCESS OF SELECTION

Having worked for a period of time with a Vocations Adviser, candidates for ordained ministry will meet with the DDO (or one of the Assistant DDOs) in order to explore more fully the criteria for selection. Thereafter, they will meet with two Diocesan Assessors before being referred to the Bishop who will decide whether or not to sponsor them for a Bishops’ Advisory Panel. The sponsoring Bishop will want to be sure, among other things, that
candidates –

• have a sense of vocation which is soundly based and is matched by evidence of maturing Christian discipleship;
• have appropriate leadership potential and show evidence of being able to establish mature relationships with other people;
• have fulfilled the basic educational requirements set out in the Bishops’ Regulations for candidates in ordination;
• have the support of those who know them best.

The Bishop will also wish to ensure that the family of married candidates have sufficient funds for support during training.

If the Bishop decides to sponsor the candidate, he or she will be invited to attend a Bishops' Advisory Panel, arranged by the Ministry Division of the Archbishops' Council and staffed by selectors nominated by the Bishops of the 44 dioceses of the Church of England. The Conference usually lasts from supper on Monday until Wednesday afternoon. It will be held at a Conference Centre or Retreat House in England. Soon after the Conference, the Bishops’ Advisers forward their recommendation to the candidate’s sponsoring bishop who will notify the candidate of his decision.

The candidate who is recommended or conditionally recommended for training will be seen again by the DDO who will discuss the choice of Theological College or Course, the manner and content of training, and where to apply for grants. Where the Local Education Authority is unwilling or unable to make a grant, the candidate’s training will be paid for out of Central Church Funds, which in turn come from the diocese by way of the annual contribution for training for the ministry paid out of the Parish Share. Grants are not paid from the Central Church Funds for the maintenance of the candidate’s spouse and family. The DDO will advise on grant aiding bodies, on how far the Diocese will be able to offer support and on the amount which the candidate will be expected to contribute, if he or she is in a position to do so.

A candidate who is not recommended will be seen again by the DDO or the Bishop so that together they can investigate the direction of vocation in the light of this decision. The candidate’s parish priest or a Spiritual Director can be very helpful in providing guidance through the perplexity or disappointment that this may bring.  It may, at this point, be helpful for a non-recommended candidate to meet again with their Vocations Adviser.

Further information about ordained ministry may be found at the following links:

http://www.churchofengland.org/clergy-office-holders/ministry/vocation.aspx

http://www.callwaiting.org.uk  (especially for younger candidates)

http://www.freshexpressions.org.uk/resources/ontheedge  (for those wishing to know more about Ordained Pioneer Ministry)

TRAINING

While in training a candidate will come under the pastoral care of the College or Course Principal, as well as the DDO and sponsoring Bishop. About a year before the candidate is due to be made a Deacon, discussions will be held about the offer of a Title (first curacy).

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information relating to ordination, including self-supporting ministry, please contact the Diocesan Director of Ordinands, whose address and telephone number is in the Diocesan Directory under the heading ‘Director of Ministry and Vocation’.