The Call to Ordained Ministry

Transcription

1 The Call to Ordained Ministry The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego The Right Reverend James R. Mathes, Bishop

2 Background Since GC 2009, the EDSD Commission on Ministry (COM), by Bishop Mathes invitation, has reviewed our ordained ministry process. The following is an overview of a revised process that implements Title III Canonical Revisions in light of our diocesan identity and mission.

3 The Title III Revisions Canonical Changes emphasize recruitment of leaders for diaconate and priesthood. are about discernment in community (congregations are to become more intentional cultures of ministry discernment). provide both a framework and means for this discernment. place more initial responsibility on Rectors/Deans/Vicars/Priests-in-Charge (clergy are discouraged from sending persons through the process who clearly do not have potential as ordained leaders)

4 Title III Revisions (continued) are more flexible and fluid than previous Title III Canons (no fixed times of Postulancy and Candidacy, and more flexible in terms of Theological Formation). increase both the involvement and accountability of congregational leaders and leading clergy (Rectors/Deans/Vicars/Priests-in-charge).

5 Recruitment

6 Ordained Leaders

7 Qualities and Competencies Ordained Leaders Self-awareness, transparent, authentic, honest Communication Skills Conflict resolution Skilled at self-management Demonstrates fiscal responsibility Adept at telling the story Critical thinker Grounded spirituality Genuine charism Possesses a Servant s heart Sense of Humor Global perspective and engagement with world Sacramental sensibility

8 Discerners (those who support and facilitate the revised process)

9 Qualities and Competencies Discerners Discretion Sensitivity Attentiveness Well-developed sense of one s own ministry Trainable Balances the spiritual and the practical Understands the Episcopal Church/Ministry Collaborative thinker

10 Terminology Nominee (formerly Aspirant) is a person identified as a potential future ordained leader Discerner EDSD s working title for the Nominee Listening Hearts Meeting the initial meeting between Discerner and diocesan members trained in the Listening Hearts discernment process Parish Discernment Committee (PDC) meets with Discerner several times. PDCs will be trained by two atlarge diocesan members who have been trained for this process, and will also participate in local PDCs.

11 Terminology Postulant - a Discerner who, upon completion of Ministry Retreat, and fulfilling all other canonical requirements for postulancy, is permitted by the Bishop to progress in the discernment process. Candidate a Postulant who has fulfilled all canonical requirements for candidacy, and is permitted by the Bishop to progress to ordination

12 EDSD Revised Process Rector/Dean/Vicar/Priest-in-Charge (hereafter called Rector) identifies potential Nominee (Discerner ) Discerner meets with Rector Discerner participates in initial Listening Hearts session Discerner meets again with Rector

13 Revised Process continued Rector notifies Bishop and COM Chair that Parish Discernment Committee will be set up. Parish Discernment Committee is gathered. Bishop designates two at-large members who will train local members. Vestry is notified. Concurrently, Discerner, in consultation with Rector, identifies and completes a Ministry Project (guidelines available through COM and on EDSD website).

14 Revised Process continued Parish Discernment Committee prepares report. Vestry then meets with Discerner. A 2/3 vote in favor is required for continuation. Discerner meets with Bishop and COM Chair. Discerner meets with COM, joined by Rector.

15 Revised Process continued COM may recommend that Discerner: a) attends two-day Discernment Retreat (formerly BACCM) b) enters into period of additional study/prayer c) explores other ministry opportunities NOT requiring ordination If a), Discerner meets with Standing Committee. Psych tests are completed prior to Discernment Retreat.

16 Revised Process continued Discerners participate in Discernment Retreat (late winter/early spring), attended by COM members, the Bishop and other Diocesan Staff, at the Bishop s discretion. At Retreat s conclusion, Bishop, in consultation with COM, decides that the Discerner: a) is named Postulant b) enters into period of additional study/prayer c) explores other ministry opportunities NOT requiring ordination

17 Revised Process continued If a), COM supports Postulant in developing a Formation Plan (Education and Formation). The School for Ministry as well as available seminaries will play a key role in forming deacons. Seminary training will play a key role in forming priests. Postulants apply for candidacy toward the conclusion of formation. A similar process of discernment, consistent with the previous steps, will guide the COM, Standing Committee and Bishop (who makes final decision).

18 Next Steps EDSD clergy will need to attend a session on the Revised Discernment Process before allowing parishioner(s) to begin the process. A lay person who is interested in entering the discernment process must speak with his or her Rector before taking further steps to pursue the new discernment process.

19 Next Steps Are you or other(s) in your parish called to the ministry of DISCERNMENT? If so, please contact the Rev. Laura Sheridan-Campbell, COM Chair at (760/ or Interested persons will be asked to dedicate one weekend to training, after which they will be asked to serve as at-large members of Parish Discernment Committees.

20 EDSD Commission on Ministry (COM) The Rt. Rev. James Mathes The Rev. Canon Suzi Holding The Rev. Dr. Laura Sheridan-Campbell, Incoming Chair The Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas, Chaplain The Rev. Paige Blair The Rev. Mike Russell The Rev. Ed Harrison The Rev. Cathey Dowdle The Rev. Dr. Paul Carmona Tom Mauro Dudley Coke Gary Koch