Ordained Ministry
last updated on: 18th Apr 2011
Is God calling me to ordained ministry? This is a question all Christians should ask themselves and seriously ponder. Sometimes it takes a while to discover what God is saying. Candidates often talk of having considered ordination at an earlier period in their life and realising it wasn’t for them at that time. Then the feeling came back.
DIACONATE
The word 'Deacon' means 'servant'. Deacons are a constant reminder to the Church of the serving role of all Christians. They serve the Church of God, and work with bishops and priests. Like them, deacons are servants of the poor, the needy, the sick and all in trouble. They encourage the faithful and preach the word of God in the places to which they are sent by their bishop. They assist priests in leading worship and in administering Holy Communion. They may baptise and solemnise marriages and undertake pastoral work as assigned. Thus deacons have a teaching, liturgical and leadership role.
Before training to become a deacon, you must be selected. Once selected, you and your Bishop and his director of ordinands, will decide together the best form of training for you. Training can take two or three years, depending on your age, your academic qualifications and whether your training is residential. After one year following ordination most deacons are ordained priest.
THE PRIESTHOOD
Priests (sometimes called Presbyters) are called by God to work as shepherds and servants amongst the people to whom they are sent by their bishop. Priests proclaim the word of the Lord and in Christ's name absolve and declare the forgiveness of sins. Like deacons, they baptise and prepare the baptised for confirmation. They preside at the celebration of Holy Communion. They lead the people in prayer and worship, intercede for them, bless them in the name of the Lord, encouraging by word and example. They minister to the sick and prepare the dying for their death.
Like deacons, priests in the Church of England are under authority, which is to say that the location and nature of their service is worked out with their bishop.
REMUNERATION
Strictly speaking, most clergy are not employed. Most Church of England clergy receive what is called a 'stipend' plus housing and have a non-contributory pension scheme. Some clergy, however, are actually employed as chaplains, for example, to the Armed Forces, in prisons, hospitals and in the universities. Other clergy and accredited lay ministers serve the church without receiving any direct financial support from it. Deacons, priests and accredited lay workers may exercise what is known as non-stipendiary ministry (NSM) in their parish and / or in the context of their secular employment. In 2011 Clergy ‘Terms of Service’ legislation came into force. For further information see http://www.churchofengland.org/clergy-office-holders/common-tenure.aspx
Ordained Ministry Selection Process flowchart
Orained Ministry - part time training flowchart
