Call to Ordination

Iain Bendrey is currently in his second year of training for the priesthood as a self-financing minister.  Here he talks about the long, complicated process that occurs as the call to ministry is tested and discerned.

The call to ministry can come at anytime and in surprising places.  For me it was a sunny August day sitting in the Wetherspoon pub in Hounslow!!  I was talking with the curate from my church in Central Hounslow when he asked whether I had considered ordination as a part time priest, then known as a Non-Stipendary Ministry.  I hadn't but following a discussion with my vicar a process started that would take a further 4 years.

Part time ministry is not something to be taken lightly, alot of searching, questioning, studying, discussion, assignment writing takes place before the Bishop ordains a person priest.  Below is the first stage of that process.

Stage 1. - Testing and Discerning

1. A visit to the Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO)who talks to you about a range of things.  For me, what do you think of the incarnation & how would you describe God to a non-christian? So nothing to0 taxing then!

2. Complete a form exploring further the process leading up to the time when you felt called to ministry.

3. Back to the DDO for further discussions and questioning.  (So far 2 months have passed.)

4. The DDO asks you to visit 3 assesors.  For me, a woman priest, a lay representative and the Area Dean.  For an hour, they each interview and explore with you, on different occasions, the call to ministry.  (A further 3 months).

5. Back to the DDO who goes through the reports the assessors have written on you.  Following this dicusssion he recommends that you see the Bishop for a further interview. (A further month)

6. The Bishop recommends that you attend a selection conference for 2 days.

7. You attend a selection conference.  A 2-day residential where you face a further 3 interviews on:-

• Your personal calling, Pastoral experience and Academic abilities
• A group discussion with 11 other people on a range of topical issues -such as abortion, gay priests, war etc
• A written exercise - write a letter to a friend who has just gone abroad to assist their husband in suicide

8. Following this exhausting 2 days, which are mentally and emotionally draining, the 3 assesors deliberate and discern whether you are to be recommended for training.

9. You receive notification from the Bishop that he agrees with the report and recommends you for training.

10. You identify a training course and the next step of the calling begins.

As you can see, it is not a simple Yes or No.  A long process with many different people helping you to test the call to the priesthood. 

The process for me took just over a year.  For others it can be a longer process as further reflection, reading and study may be required.

But this is just the first step.  What follows is further 3 years of study and training as a whole new set of people discern with you whether joining the priesthood is the right call for you.  More next month.