Rooted in Baptism Discernment Manual for the Diocese of West Virginia Commission on Ministry Revised Edition, 2011

Transcription

1 Rooted in Baptism Discernment Manual for the Diocese of West Virginia Commission on Ministry Revised Edition, 2011 But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ s gift The gifts he gave were than some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ. Ephesians 4: 7,

2 CONGREGATIONAL DISCERNMENT PROCESS Discernment is about the Journey, not the Destination Section I- Overview Introduction This process is specifically written for those discerning a call to ordained ministry. We believe that a similar process can also be used for laity who wish to enter into discernment about their particular call within the lay order. Sections I and II are meant as an overview of the discernment process with those individuals who feel called to an ordained ministry. Details for implementing what is described in Sections I and II are contained in subsequent sections. A section for the discernment of lay ministries is also included. There are two fundamental precepts underlying this suggested process. First, that discernment is not to be rushed most especially at the congregational level. Recommended time guidelines should be followed by the Priest Mentor and the Congregational Discernment in order to minimize the tendency to push a person through or to allow a person to rush the process. The second precept is that the congregational discernment process focus on identifying specific gifts for ministry and discerning a person s (and their family s) readiness for entering an ordination track. The inquiring person should be an active member of the congregation for at least a year before requesting that a formal discernment process begin. This allows for the person and his/her gifts to become known to the priest and congregation. The Commission on Ministry and Standing Committee recognize that there are many difficulties for laity and clergy alike when they are helping to discern one of their own and that person may be anxious to move forward quickly in response to their excitement. To that end, support systems are built into the process for discernment orientation for sponsoring clergy and for Congregational Discernment Committees as they take this journey together. The base for the entire process is the local congregation: it is the community of celebration, grieving, patience, and continued support. Each person who becomes an Inquirer for Holy Orders needs to remember that those involved in the discernment process are from around the Diocese and are also members of a communities of faith, just like the Inquirer, and earnestly listening for God s voice. Nominations for Holy Orders will NOT be accepted by the Bishop from a Priest and Vestry that have not worked through the Diocesan Office for Ministry Development. The Role of Priest Mentor (Rector/Ministry Developer/Priest-in-Charge/or designated Clergy) (During the process of development of a Ministry Team, discernment occurs over a minimum of one year. The Team serves as the Discernment Committee and work together with the Priest Mentor and Diocesan Consultant. If a Priest, or vestry in the absence of a priest, wish to explore Team Ministry, they should contact the Office of Ministry Development. See Section VI on Ministry Team Discernment and Formation.) An inquiring person should begin conversations with the Priest Mentor as soon as he/she is aware of a compelling call to explore ordained ministry. If the congregation, vestry, or priest 2

3 identify a person they believe should explore ordained ministry, they should encourage that person to begin these conversations. Once the Inquirer has approached their priest, the priest should immediately inform the Office for Ministry Development. The designated Diocesan staff person will begin a file on the Inquirer in order to track the progress being made and to receive reports required by the Commission on Ministry and the Canons of the Episcopal Church. The Diocesan staff person becomes the main support for the Priest Mentor. At that time the staff person reviews the process with the Priest Mentor so that there is no misunderstanding along the way. If the Priest Mentor has not attended a Diocesan Priest Mentor Orientation for Discernment session, they will be scheduled to do so as soon as possible. The staff person will also make sure that the Priest Mentor has a written copy of the Diocesan Guidelines, including any resources that may be available to assist the priest in guiding conversations. ( If the Inquirer feels a possible call to diaconate at any point in the process, the Priest Mentor will need to lead the vestry and congregation in understanding the role of a deacon and in a discussion of whether or not the congregation and vestry believe a deacon is needed to serve in the congregation at that time. A report to the Bishop summarizing the conversations, stating what the parochial vision is for the diaconal ministry, and any action taken by the vestry is to be included in Form 2 of the Sponsoring Priest s report at the time of Nomination.) Conversations between the Inquirer and the Priest Mentor should encompass a minimum of eight to twelve months, meeting at least twice a month. This will allow the priest ample time to be able to provide a detailed letter of recommendation which will include information concerning the person s gifts, qualifications, and readiness to move to the next step in the process. This part of the discernment process could take place over several years. Again, it is about journey and not destination. During this early stage of discernment, the Priest Mentor will recommend that the inquiring person seek out and engage a spiritual director, who will assist the Inquirer in developing a faithful rule of life in prayer, study, action, and devoting time and energy to recommended reading. Please contact the Office for Ministry Development for assistance in finding approved Spiritual Directors. In addition, the Bishop requires the Inquirer to read each of the thirteen books in The Church Teaching Series and to write a 2 page, double-spaced reflection on each book. The reflection papers are to be discussed with the Sponsoring Priest and sent to the Bishop as each book is completed. As part of the questioning process, The Priest Mentor must help the Inquirer explore and bring more clearly into focus opportunities for continuing the Inquirer s lay ministry, possibly with new and more challenging directions. This may be accomplished in part by proposing a period of hard questioning and challenging new experiences that may lead to needed growth before the Inquirer proceeds. (See section on lay ministry discernment.) The Priest Mentor should pay attention to any particular family-related problems that may be a part of the person s recent history and require time to address. It is recommended that the priest include the family in the early part of this conversation. This involvement should continue until 3

4 the priest is reasonably satisfied that the family can and will support the expected effort and manage the stresses associated with the process. If the Inquirer was raised in a religion or denomination other than the Episcopal Church, the priest needs to listen for and observe evidence that they have assimilated and understood the Episcopal tradition and ethos. The Priest Mentor will be asked to describe the transformation points in the person s life on Form 2, the Priest s report to the Bishop. The Priest Mentor, after an appropriate amount of time, conversation, and exploration with the Inquirer, decides if it is appropriate for the person to enter a formal diocesan process. If so, the Priest calls the Bishop s office to make an appointment with the Bishop. Forms to be sent in prior to the appointment date include Form 2, the Sponsoring Priest s Report, and proof of the Inquirer s Baptism and Confirmation. If the Bishop gives his/her approval, the Priest may call together a Congregational Discernment Committee. The Sponsoring Priest then contacts the Office for Ministry Development and the Diocesan staff person will review guidelines for choosing parishioners to serve on a Congregational Discernment Committee (CDC). If the Priest Mentor believes that the person is not ready or equipped to continue on an ordination track, discernment continues and the priest assists the Inquirer in discovering the lay ministry to which God is calling them. The Priest may employ a CDC for the purpose of discerning lay ministry, as well. The Congregational Discernment Committee (CDC) In appointing the Congregational Discernment Committee, the priest and vestry should choose 4-6 persons, including at least one member of the vestry. Two Deanery Discernment members will be assigned by the Office for Ministry Development. They represent the wider Episcopal Community and may serve on the Ministry Discernment Retreat, held by the Commission on Ministry and Standing Committee twice a year. It is appropriate for the Priest Mentor to involve the Inquirer in the selection process, asking for their suggestions, but the final make-up of the committee is decided by Priest and Vestry. Those appointed should have differing perspectives and a proven ability to listen and learn from others. They must be willing to make room in their schedules for regular meetings. Close friends or relatives and staff members of the congregation ( including the Priest Mentor) are not to serve as members of the committee. Once the CDC is formed, they will be assigned a Discernment Consultant from the COM, receive orientation in discernment, and begin their work. The work of the CDC is to agree on and describe the inquiring person s gifts for ministry and, if appropriate, to recommend further formation in certain areas. A portrait of the perfect person is not what is sought. The objective is to answer the one most compelling question: How is God visibly working through this person as a leader to draw those around him/her to Christ? The work of this committee should continue for a period of eight to twelve months. 4

5 The CDC will be trained through the designated Diocesan Discernment formation program which consists of four sessions of orientation for the CDC. These sessions are described in Section IV. The orientation sessions cover Nuts and Bolts, Our Call to Ministry in Baptism; Gifts Discernment; and The Episcopal Orders of the Ministry (lay/deacon/priest/bishop). The orientation sessions will be facilitated by Diocesan staff, the Discernment Consultant, and the Priest Mentor. The Discernment Consultant will be available for guidance during the process and will meet with the CDC when they are ready to make their report to the Vestry. The CDC has a holy task and, again, the process should not be rushed. It will take several months to build a prayerful trusting relationship that is necessary for hearing and speaking the truth candidly. Because openness and honesty are integral to this process, it is important to agree upon guidelines for confidentiality at the beginning of the process and to discuss what information is appropriate to share outside the group, including the report to the Vestry. The Committee may ask the Inquirer for further exploratory work if the need for growth is identified in a particular area of their life. It will take courage and clarity to raise tough questions with the inquiring person. The Priest Mentor receives brief reports periodically from the CDC chairperson and continues to meet regularly with the Inquirer. The Priest Mentor is present for the first two CDC orientation sessions, facilitates the third session, and is not present for the fourth session. The Priest is also present at the last meeting of the CDC to celebrate their work and receive the CDC report. Normative Formation for Deacons and Priests The process of formation for the Vocational Diaconate is most commonly carried out through a designated Diaconal Formation Program outlined by the Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee, and completed on a part-time basis while the Inquirer continues in full-time employment. ( See Section ----). Deacons serve both on Ministry Teams in smaller parishes/regional ministries and in larger parishes. During the discernment process, the Priest Mentor will need to lead the vestry and congregation in understanding the role of a deacon and in a discussion of whether or not the congregation and vestry believe a deacon is needed to serve in the congregation at that time. A report to the Bishop summarizing the conversations, stating what the parochial vision is for the diaconal ministry, and any action taken by the vestry is to be included in Form 2 of the Sponsoring Priest s report at the time of Nomination.) Deacons are directly responsible to the Bishop, who most commonly assigns them to a local parish, with the Rector being asked to share in the regular oversight of the Deacon s ministry. Occasionally, a Deacon may have a seminary degree, but that is not the norm and is pursued only in close consultation with the Bishop. The process of formation for the priesthood in the Diocese of West Virginia depends on whether the person has been discerned as called to full-time stipended ministry, or whether they have been discerned as called to a non-stipendiary ministry within the context of a Ministry Team. An Inquirer feeling called to full-time stipended ministry is expected to have a baccalaureate education and to attend a COM- approved seminary for a Masters of Divinity or doctorate in a specialized field (theology, ministry, preaching). Those discerned for ordination through a 5

6 Team Ministry Discernment Process will follow the guidelines developed by the Commission on Ministry and Standing Committee, and approved by the Bishop. If, at any time during the process, the Inquirer/Postulant/Candidate/Transitional or Vocational Deacon changes their perception of the character of an ordained call (e.g., from diaconate to priesthood, or priesthood to diaconate, from member of a ministry team to full-time stipended ministry, or from stipended ministry to member of a ministry team, etc.) they must contact the Office for Ministry Development for guidance on directed discernment for themselves and the CDC. Ordination as Call It is important to be as clear as we possibly can about how discernment occurs. At no stage in the process is one guaranteed ordination. Ordination is a call, not a right or a privilege. Therefore, it is not useful to think of the various requirements noted in this handbook as hurdles or hoops, as though they were obstacles which, when successfully negotiated, would leave one on a clear track to ordination. Fulfilling the requirements is a necessary, but not a sufficient, condition for ordination. The list of requirements are dry bones; evidence of flesh being formed and the breath of the spirit being received must also accompany the checklist of requirements completed. The question being asked is: how has this person been transformed by their experiences? At any stage in the process the Inquirer/Postulant/Candidate, realizing there is not in fact a call to ordained ministry, may discontinue the process. There is no dishonor, and may be much wisdom in such a decision. Further, at any stage in the process, permission to proceed may be withdrawn. Such action may lead to disappointment, but we trust that it will also open other possibilities for expanded lay ministry. Discernment of God s call is always ongoing and the voice of the Holy Spirit may intervene and cause an Inquirer/Postulant/Candidate to reassess what God is calling them to be and do. It may become clear that a hiatus in the process or in the educational program may need to occur due to some significant happening in the person s life. (e.g., severe health problems, divorce, death of a spouse or child). At such time, the Bishop and the COM will work with the individual to determine what is appropriate for them at that time. Discovering One s Call Throughout this process the role of the Bishop is central. The Bishop works with the Commission on Ministry to develop and maintain a process to assist people in determining the character of God s call for them, a call that begins in Baptism and takes one s life to fulfill. Sometimes the character of that call includes ordination. In the ordination process, the Bishop s responsibilities include admission of an applicant to Postulancy and Candidacy and approval of ordinations to the Diaconate and/or the Priesthood. Our process of discovering one s call involves a great deal of dialogue among the Bishop, Inquirer, Priest Mentor, representatives of the parish community, and various diocesan groups. 6

7 CONGREGATIONAL DISCERNMENT PROCESS Section II- Theology of Call Introduction Lord, speak, for thy servant hears. Isaiah 6:8 Our world is filled with many voices, all clamoring for our attention. Sometimes the voice that fills the silence is our own. How do we quiet all these voices, our own included, to hear the Voice of God, which often comes in a still small sound? God does call each of us to service in the Kingdom. Together, as the many parts of the Body of Christ, we live into our calling to serve. Discernment is listening for God s voice in the people and events of our lives. This is not an easy task, but we are not alone. The purpose of this handbook is to outline a process of discernment in community and by community, through listening for God in the life and story of a particular child of God who comes to listen. Our call to serve God is rooted in our Baptism. Baptism is not only incorporation into the Church, but a sending forth into the world to be Christ for others. Incorporation into the Body of Christ means that each member of the Body is called to share in Christ s mission, which is reconciling the world to God through love and forgiveness. Ministry is how we live out that mission in each of our lives. Approved by the Bishop, the Standing Committee, and the Commission on Ministry of the Diocese of West Virginia, this handbook is designed to assist and inform persons who have heard a call from God and wish to explore the character of that call. Is it a call to a particular lay ministry, or to the ordained ministry. If ordained ministry, is it a call to diaconate or priesthood? Within the framework provided by the relevant Canons of the Episcopal Church, this handbook describes the steps taken in the process of discernment. For those discerning a call to Holy Orders, the timetable and required actions and responses of all parties in that process are also outlined in the handbook. Special or exceptional situations are also discussed. Canonically the Ecclesiastical Authority, as it relates to the ordination process, resides in the office of the Diocesan Bishop. Please note that throughout this handbook the term Bishop refers to the diocesan bishop. Call to Ministry We are all Christian ministers by virtue of our baptism. Some Christians are called, as the people of Israel were called, and as Isaiah, Priscilla, and Paul were called, to special ministries. Some may be called to the life of a Religious (monk or nun) or to Holy Orders as deacon or priest, others to a specialized lay ministry. Sorting out to which ministry one is called is a matter for prayerful deliberation, beginning with a Priest Mentor ( usually, but not limited to, a Rector or Ministry Developer). Discussion with a Priest Mentor, or after encouragement from a priest or members of the congregation, may result from an individual sensing some sort of call to consider that God may be inviting them into a more formal ministry. If, after meeting for a period of time, the Priest Mentor believes it to be appropriate, a Congregational Discernment Committee may be formed. The early part of their work will include retreats that focus on several aspects of call. 7

8 CONGREGATIONAL DISCERNMENT PROCESS Section III- Priest Mentor Guidelines An Orientation Session must be attended by the Sponsoring Priest to Begin the Process. This Session will include: A Description and Overview of the Discernment Process in the Diocese of West Virginia Help priests identify their own history and biases Look at questions like: What characteristics are they looking for? How does the Inquirer envision the priesthood? Their priesthood? (Can they see beyond standing behind the altar?) Help priests think about how to say no when they don t hear a call for the Inquirer, OR how does a priest help the person come to no for themselves? Are they being realistic? What are we looking for on Day 1? What are red flags? Help priests be aware of the need to choose folks who have the ability listen well, to work collaboratively, and yet have the ability to make hard decisions To help the priest help the CDC to see that the process of discernment on the local and Diocesan levels are not us and them Scriptural Reflection on a Call to Ministry In accord with biblical tradition, we understand that the call to ordained ministry is of a two fold nature. God speaks to individuals and through the community. The Inquirer should read and discuss the following passages of Scripture with their Priest Mentor: I Samuel 3:1-10a Isaiah 6: 1-8 Acts 1:12-26 Acts 6:1-6 RECOMMENDED BOOK LIST ( to be read and discussed with the Inquirer) Transforming Vocation Diocese of WV Guidelines for Deacons The Great Emergence Living on the Border of the Holy Servanthood Calling (Westerhoff) or Calling of the Laity (Verna Dozier) Listening Hearts Let Your Life Speak Three broad questions that provide a basis for discussion with the Inquirer: 1) What is the evidence that the inquiring person is called to a more committed and disciplined lay ministry, or to ordained ministry? 2) What particular gifts does the Inquirer bring to leadership, be it lay or ordained? How have these gifts been demonstrated already within and/or beyond the congregation? 3) What work needs to be done to make the Inquirer known to the congregation of which they are a part? What needs to be done to address areas of weakness or needed growth and bring gifts to maturity before he/she is ready to meet with a discernment committee and to be presented to the Bishop and the Commission on Ministry? 8

9 CONGREGATIONAL DISCERNMENT PROCESS Section IV- Congregational Discernment Committee After having been selected by the Priest Mentor and Inquirer, approved and appointed by the Vestry, the members of the Congregational Discernment Committee* will arrange with the Office for Ministry Development/Archdeacon for a consultant to provide facilitation for CDC Orientation and Training, and ongoing support. Orientation and Training will include an initial 1 ½ hour session to review the overall Diocesan process and outline the parts of the CDC responsibilities. The initial session will be followed by a retreat held in your parish on a Fri. night and Saturday (led by the consultant), a one day long session (led by the Priest Mentor), and an 1 ½ session to make final preparations for meeting with the Inquirer. These training sessions will include practice in listening and reflection, discussion of the call of all baptized Christians to use their gifts to God s glory, a discussion of the various orders of ministry, and time to discuss nuts and bolts of meeting days and times, and content of meetings with the Inquirer. Meetings with the Inquirer will be 1 ½ -2 hours in length over a period of 8 to 12 months. *The Congregational Discernment Committee will include 4-6 members of the sponsoring Congregation and two Deanery representatives. Before meeting with the Inquirer, the CDC asks the Inquirer to write a Spiritual Autobiography. The spiritual autobiography is to be 4-6 double-spaced pages in length. At the end of the meetings with the CDC, the spiritual autobiography should be updated as the final copy for the Diocesan file, reflecting the time spent in discernment with the CDC. In developing an autobiography, divide your life into ten year segments. Identify an event and a person in each decade which affected your spiritual development and in what way. An alternative format is to identify an overarching spiritual theme in your life and explain how that theme has developed since childhood. Identifying a significant passage of scripture that has informed your life is also helpful. It is essential that you identify the emerging conviction of your call to ordination. Since no one s life can be contained in 4-6 pages, it is assumed that writing the autobiography will be, in itself, a spiritual discipline! Some of the questions that will be suggested during the Orientation and Training of the CDC are questions that invite in-depth responses from the inquiring person s experience and are intended as a guide for reflection and conversation: 1) What most draws and challenges the Inquirer to serve others, both within and outside of the church? To what needs of others is he/she most drawn? Least drawn? Conversely, what hesitations, reservations, or fears are indicated that may cause a withdrawal from serving? 2) Where, among the needs of the world or work of the Church, is the Inquirer s passion? 3) In what ways are the life and the work of the Inquirer steeped in the Gospel, the sacraments, and in corporate worship? 4) What has he/she done to expand the Kingdom of God? How do he/she show God s presence in the world? As the CDC explores the nature of that individual s call to ministry, there is an opportunity to enter into a special relationship with the Inquirer. This requires of each committee member: a commitment of time, energy, and prayer; the willingness to share oneself, to ask difficult and challenging questions of one another a commitment to confidentiality. 9

10 knowledge and grounding in the Anglican tradition; (represented in at least some of the CDC members). A book to read as a refresher is Webber s Introduction to the Episcopal Church. a sense of one s own ministry and vocation; willingness to make a sustained commitment to prayer and the discernment process. being well known and trusted by the parish; The requirement of confidentiality is essential for the work of the discernment process. Both committee members and persons seeking discernment need to be assured that what is disclosed remains within the confines of the committee s work. Each individual exploring a call to ministry, in particular, is asked to reveal a great deal. Openness, trust and confidentiality belong together. Many persons undertaking this commitment say with reluctance, What do I have to offer? Who am I to judge? God gives us each gifts to share and speaks to us through community. We need to trust that God will speak through us as long as we offer ourselves for service. In the course of the work of the CDC, it is highly probable that committee members, interacting with one another and the Inquirer seeking discernment, will enter the spiritual depths of their own lives in ways that will reward and challenge. Although the committee s principal objective is helping the Inquirer clarify a call to ministry, the process often results in a mutually satisfying journey for all involved. A discussion of each person s strengths in relation to the tasks at hand is important. Such discussion will help the committee decide how to structure its work, give members an opportunity to become better acquainted, and recognize each individual s contribution to this ministry. Each group needs a convener and a reporter. Either the convener, or someone designated by the convener, should be responsible for opening and closing the meetings in prayer. An honest exploration of attitudes, values, and biases will enable committee members to become aware of and avoid those situations in which they may actually impede the process of discernment. Meetings with the Inquirer should include: explanation of committee procedures discussion of the nature of ministry (lay and ordained); criteria for ministry discernment; personal sharing of ministries and spiritual journeys; consideration of roles and responsibilities associated with the various orders of ministry; Providing each member with an opportunity to describe and comment on his/her own spiritual journey and ministry is a recommended starting point. It sets the tone for the committee s work, develops group cohesion desirable for this ministry, and enables members to wear the shoes of the Inquirer with whom they will meet. 10

11 Proceedures After initial orientation and training meetings, each CDC will adopt its own format and style for sessions with the Inquirer seeking discernment. For this reason, what follows is only a general consideration of some of the issues related to how these sessions are conducted. The development of procedures entails: agreeing upon a leadership style; creating a format for meetings with the nominee; deciding what activities will be undertaken and questions asked; discussing record keeping needs and reporting procedures; and considering options for ongoing relationships with the Inquirer. (If not recommended for the ordination process, how will the committee support the Inquirer in his/her continuing ministries? Or, if recommended, how will the committee support the Inquirer through the rest of the discernment process? If granted Postulancy, how will the CDC and the Vestry support him/her during the time of training (seminary or diocesan training program)? The varieties in format are limited only by the committee s imagination and the following recommendations: Develop a time frame for meetings and decide when meetings will be held. Arrange for committee members to meet before and after each session with the Inquirer to prepare and to reflect. Create an atmosphere of acceptance, interest, and readiness to participate. Reflections on the Theology of Ministry Scripture citations given at the beginning of this handbook are a starting point for reflection on call to ministry. Additional scripture readings can be found in the ordination rites of The Book of Common Prayer (listed below). There are several books recommended for reading by the Inquirer and the Committee ( see book list in Section III.) While Listening Hearts and Let Your Life Speak should be read by all, the other books can be divided up among the members of the committee and reports on the content be given to the whole committee. The Inquirer should read all the books recommended. The committee also needs to help the Inquirer explore an understanding of the meaning and significance of being loyal to the doctrine, discipline and worship of Christ as this Church has received them. (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 526). The functions of priest and deacon will be discussed in the second discernment retreat, led by the Priest Mentor. Scripture that can be read ahead of time include the scriptural passages from the readings listed in the ordination rites (BCP, pp ; ) Additional Diocesan Requirements: 1) If divorced or remarried after divorce, marital status must be clarified with the Bishop. 2) Educational background is investigated prior to the completion of the discernment process. 11

12 3) Financial status and needs related to seminary work are investigated prior to the completion of the discernment process. 4) Diocesan training programs in Anti-Racism and Sexual Misconduct Prevention must be completed before ordination. Instruction in Title IV of the National Canons is also required. Situations Which Might Suggest Delaying the Ordination Process It is important to consider the possibility that an Inquirer may be a very strong candidate in terms of his/her faith, gifts for ministry, and desire and abilities to serve the Church, but that, nevertheless, the committee s appropriate response is, Not right now. The following are life circumstances which the discernment committee should carefully consider when exploring the total context of an Inquirer s perceived call to ordained ministry: a major life change in the past year, e.g. major illness in family separation death in family marriage birth in family divorce treatment for addiction unemployment or job change beginning of therapy; the absence of family emotional support; a lack of awareness of future financial requirements; substance abuse problems, or less than one year of sobriety, if in recovery; an eating disorder or other compulsive behaviors; conflict with prior commitments; or a negative impact on spouse and/or dependent children. Situations Which Suggest the Need for Additional Consultation It is expected that from time to time committee members may encounter difficulties as they participate in this ministry. The need for consultation arises if: personal or committee biases begin to interfere with the process; a member of the committee begins to feel pressured into a particular response; a member of the committee feels that it is impossible to say no to an Inquirer; 12

13 a member of the committee begins to feel responsible for the Inquirer; a member of the committee cannot precisely identify some issue, feeling, or response that remains unspoken by the Inquirer; or a member of the committee breaks confidentiality by discussing the Inquirer outside the committee meetings, during the process, or after the work has been completed. It is important in any such instance that committee members, in consultation with the Priest Mentor, contact the Archdeacon in the Office for Ministry. When making its report ( Form 3), the CDC has several options available as its final statement. These include: 1) We do not hear a call to ordained ministry; 2) We do not hear a call at this time; 3) We hear a call, but do not believe the Inquirer is ready for postulancy; 4) We hear a call and believe the Inquirer is ready for postulancy. Each report must contain ample narrative to give the Bishop a clear sense of why the CDC arrived at the consensus reported. All reports go to the Bishop, the Priest Mentor and Vestry (and Regional Ministry Council, if applicable), the Inquirer, and the Commission on Ministry. If the Bishop wishes further clarification of the report, he may confer with the convener of the CDC. It is important to note that the process of discernment is far more complex than completing a checklist of criteria. Some criteria can be interpreted in black and white terms ( e.g., have they been baptized and confirmed?). However, others involve gray areas which may be perceived variously by different individuals or groups. Consensus is to be sought. When consensus cannot be reached, all points of view must be reported to the Bishop. 13

14 CONGREGATIONAL DISCERNMENT PROCESS Section V- Canonical and Diocesan Requirements The Canons of the Church require that an individual exploring a call to ordained ministry be a confirmed communicant and a member of an Episcopal faith community, in good standing. It is the priest s responsibility in the beginning of the process to determine that the individual has been a confirmed adult communicant in good standing for at least one year. The process described in this manual is intended to help an individual discern whether God s call is to Holy Orders or to one or another of the great variety of lay ministries. Another subject of discernment is the kind of ordained ministry to which a person may be called. In our time we have seen the renewal of the order of Deacon, and there has been a great deal of discussion over the nature and role of the Orders of Priest and Bishop. The diaconate, a defined Biblical office, was originally an appointed office. It was a servant order to act out the servant attributes of Jesus Christ as recorded in Holy Scriptures. Acts of mercy, distribution of food, money, and other forms of aid to the needy, and the bringing of the needs of the wider community to the attention of the Church all constituted some of the diaconal duties. The deacon was traditionally, and still is, the bishop s person. Deacons were called out of and stayed in their local church, though there were some notable exceptions. In the Diocese of West Virginia, we see the diaconate as an equal order in and of itself and not simply a stepping stone to priesthood, as practiced for centuries in the Church. In accordance with tradition, deacons in this diocese are deployed by and are accountable to the Bishop. The presbyterate, or priesthood, developed as the Church permitted elders or presbyters to perform some of the liturgical functions which were formerly those of the bishop alone. Until recently the priesthood was the most visible of Holy Orders in the Church. In contrast to the servant emphasis of the diaconate, the priesthood is usually identified with sacraments, preaching, administration, and institutional community building. Traditionally, candidates for the priesthood have left their local community and serve elsewhere. In a diocese with a significant number of congregations with economic and/or geographical challenges, diocesan or locally trained vocational or worker priests may exist in certain communities in the Church. These persons perceive a call to ministries which entail sacramental, pastoral and administrative functions, but intend to serve in their local community. Under the revised Canons from General Convention 2003, they must meet the same canonical requirements as seminary-trained priests. Formational and Educational requirements (seminary or diocesan formation) are determined by the COM, the Standing Committee, and the Bishop, in consultation with one another. In the Diocese of West Virginia, locally trained priests must be presented to the COM as part of a Ministry Team. ( See Section VI for Team Ministry Discernment and Formation). The Inquirer must be at least 24 years of age when ordained to the priesthood. Becoming aware of the Order to which a person is called may occur over a period of time as the individual moves through the discernment process. The spiritual journey will be one of learning, maturing, and challenge. Of particular importance is openness to the work of the Holy Spirit. Ordination need not be viewed as the only successful outcome. If the Priest Mentor cannot, in good conscience, support the Inquirer from the beginning of the process, this fact must be made known to the individual, in the interest of fairness to the communicant as well as to all others involved in discernment. 14

15 The Archdeacon assists the Commission on Ministry in oversight of the process for ordination. A checklist of all the steps taken and forms received is attached to a person s file in the Diocesan office. Upon filling out the canonical forms to request Postulancy, the Inquirer becomes a Nominee from their sponsoring parish, and the Priest Mentor becomes referred to as the Sponsoring Priest. Meeting with the Bishop A second meeting with the Bishop occurs AFTER the Inquirer has completed meeting with the Priest Mentor and the CDC. Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are to be forwarded to the Office of Ministry Development at least three weeks prior to the scheduled meeting with the Bishop. The Priest Mentor and the Bishop should also have received reflection papers from the Inquirer on all books within the Church Teaching Series. Scheduling a meeting with the Bishop is the responsibility of the Sponsoring Priest. Evidence of Baptism and Confirmation should already be on file from the first meeting with the Bishop, but a written statement from the Priest attesting to the Inquirer s status as a communicant in good standing needs to be given to the Bishop at this second meeting. All reports are assembled in a file which will contain all accumulated data throughout the process leading to ordination. The file is overseen by the Archdeacon for Ministry Development. Prior to meeting with the Bishop, and after the Sponsoring Priest and Vestry have made the official Nomination ( Form 4), the Bishop expects the Nominee to contact the Archdeacon s office to receive information and instruction on paperwork needed for the physical examination, and a psychiatric and psychological exam, given by a diocesan appointed examiner. The packet given to the nominee will include the Medical Report Form and the Life History and Behavior Screening Questionnaires (The two latter questionnaires will need to be completed and sent to the psychological examiner prior to the examination.) If the packet is not received prior to the second meeting with the Bishop, make sure you receive such a packet before you leave his/her office. Psychological and Medical reports are sent directly to the Bishop and kept in his confidential file. ( See below for more details.) In addition, the Office for Ministry/Archdeacon will initiate a background check, including an in-depth financial check, on the Nominee. After receiving the background check paperwork, the Bishop : 1) shall confer in person with the Nominee and the Nominee s sponsoring priest; 2) shall consult with the Nominee regarding financial resources which will be available for the support of the Nominee throughout preparation for ordination. During Postulancy and Candidacy, the Bishop, or someone appointed by the Bishop, shall review periodically the financial condition and plans of the Postulant/Candidate. The nominee will also be required by the Bishop to complete training in Anti-racism and Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Title IV of the National Canons.(Canon c) These can be done at any time during the process, but must be done prior to ordination to the Diaconate. If training has occurred five years or more prior to ordination, the training must be taken again. 15

16 The medical, psychiatric, and psychological reports must be received and reviewed by the Bishop before being scheduled for the Ministry Discernment Retreat (MDR). If any issues are identified that need further attention, an additional meeting with the Bishop will be scheduled. Medical and Psychological Examinations Training for the ordained ministry will be rigorous and taxing. It is important to know at the outset whether the Inquirer/Nominee is physically and mentally equal to the task or whether a medical condition exists or is impending which demands prompt attention or would later require special accommodations. The Office of the Archdeacon checks to make sure that canonical requirements in these areas have been met. The relevant Canon notes that...the Bishop...shall require the nominee to submit to a thorough examination, covering both mental and psychological condition, by professionals appointed by the Bishop. The appointed professionals shall use the forms for medical and psychological and psychiatric reports prepared by the Church Pension Fund for this purpose. [Title III. Canon e(3)] The Nominee may choose any licensed medical doctor not related by family ties to perform the medical examination, the cost of which is the Nominee s responsibility. The psychological and psychiatric examination needs to be arranged with the diocesan approved evaluating professional through the Archdeacon s office. The cost of that examination will be shared by the diocese, nominee, and sponsoring congregation. Because it is not unusual for persons to approach psychological examinations with some degree of apprehension, it is important that the Nominee understand the reasons for this canonical requirement, particularly how such assessments are important indices of suitability for ordained ministry. All examiners will be provided with a list of relevant questions regarding the physical, cognitive and emotional health of the Nominee. The examiners will provide written reports to the Bishop regarding the results of the medical and psychological evaluations. These reports will be necessary parts of the application for Postulancy. They are placed in the Nominee s confidential file in the Bishop s office. The individual may meet with the psychological professional to discuss the report given to the Bishop. The psychiatric/psychological examination is a critical part of the process. The examiner s purpose is to ascertain whether the Nominee has adequate ego strength and a realistic selfconcept, and is capable of compassion and empathy. The examiner will also ascertain that there is no acute psychiatric difficulty which might impair the Nominee s ability to function. If a nominee is in therapy at the time of the examination, it is advisable that he/she give permission to have the examiner make inquiries of the therapist concerning the nominee s case. Psychological evaluations of Nominees shall include, but not be restricted to, a clinical interview, mental status examination, and an objective measure of personality functioning. The clinical interview will consist of information regarding personal, family history, educational background, and psychosocial history, (including any family or personal history of psychiatric treatment). If results of the objective personality tests suggest areas of functioning that require further evaluation, a projective measure of personality may be administered. Occasionally, the COM may have additional questions about specific learning capabilities. The psychological examiner may then be asked to include an assessment of intellectual capabilities and/or possible learning problems, such as reading and verbal processing skills. A list of individuals who can conduct these evaluations will be provided by the Bishop s office. 16

17 Ministry Discernment Retreat for Nominees (and Spouses) The following documents must be on file in the Office of the Archdeacon or Bishop prior to the weekend: Forms 1-5 Life History Questionnaire Behavior Screening Questionnaire Spiritual Autobiography Educational Transcripts Medical Exam Report Psychological and Psychiatric Exam Reports Summary of Bishop s Evaluation (from Bishop s Office) The Ministry Discernment Retreat (MDR) is staffed by members of the Commission on Ministry and Standing Committee who have been trained in Diocesan level discernment. The weekend design includes individual interview time, group activities, time for quiet and reflection, and support for potential clergy spouses. If a Nominee is married, it is expected that the spouse will also attend, unless there are circumstances that prevent his/her attendance. The COM will not interview the spouse. Activities for spouses are for information and support. Spouses of currently active or retired clergy have designed the sessions that run concurrent to Nominee interviews. This design was developed with the intention of providing an atmosphere of support and encouragement. Although there is always an element of screening and judgment that must be done on the part of the COM, it is hoped that this process will allow the COM members and the Nominees to have a deeper understanding and experience of one another before a decision must be reached. At the end of the Retreat, the staff will meet with the Nominee (and spouse) to inform them of their observations. Their recommendation and report will be reviewed at the next COM meeting. The COM is responsible for making the final recommendation to the Bishop concerning Postulancy. The COM Recommendation and Bishop s Determination After the COM has received the MDR report and voted on its recommendation, that recommendation is forwarded to the Bishop. The Bishop makes the final canonical determination whether or not to accept the nominee as a Postulant of the Diocese of West Virginia and informs the Nominee of his decision. If the Bishop discerns a call to ordination and grants Postulancy, he will advise the Nominee of the recommended course of study for Holy Orders in consultation with the COM and the Nominee. If there are additional requirements, they will also be explained. If the Bishop does not discern a call, or discerns that it is not yet time for Postulancy, he will also advise the Nominee of possible avenues of ministry to explore so that the fullest potential of God s call may be fulfilled. Reporting and Communication A postulant is required by canon to report to the Bishop during each Ember week (four times a year according to the Church s calendar). The Ember Day Letter should include progress in 17

18 formational and educational preparation and issues or concerns of personal and spiritual development. The postulant will be provided with guidelines for information to be included in Ember Day Letters. The Commission on Ministry will assign the postulant a liaison to respond to any questions or concerns about the ordination process, and to review the Postulant/Candidate s course of study. Formation As mentioned earlier, theological training at a three year seminary is the expected course of study for all who intend to pursue a full-time stipended position. All postulants, regardless of the form of training, will pursue preparation for ordination in consultation with the Commission on Ministry and the Bishop. Whatever program is chosen, it shall include theological education, practical experience, emotional development, and spiritual formation. If the Postulant has not previously obtained a baccalaureate degree, the Commission and the Bishop shall either require completion of a baccalaureate degree or, in consultation with the Postulant, design a program of additional academic work to prepare the Postulant to undertake a program of theological education. Whenever possible, formation shall take place in community, including other persons in preparation for ordination, a ministry team, or others preparing for ministry. Formation shall take into account the local culture and each Postulant s background, age, occupation, and ministry. Candidacy Candidacy is a time, following Postulancy, of formation and preparation for ordination to the Diaconate, established by a formal commitment by the Candidate, the Bishop, the Commission on Ministry, and the congregation or other community of faith. At the Bishop s sole discretion, any Candidate may be removed from the list of candidates, with written notice of removal being given to the Candidate and the Candidate s Sponsoring Priest. In order to move from Postulancy to Candidacy, the following are required: Application for Candidacy ( Form 6) Vestry Endorsement for Candidacy (Form 7) Completion of Clinical Pastoral Education or Diocesan Pastoral Formation Program Attestation to continuing formation through seminary or diocesan studies: Portfolio to include sermons, information on significant projects, transcripts COM recommendation for Candidacy Standing Committee Recommendation for Candidacy Bishop s Acceptance Letter for Candidacy Bishop s Attestation of Receipt and Approval of Oxford Document Background Check Oxford Document Check All nominees in the ordination process will need to participate in the Oxford Document Background Check Process. The initial comprehensive check is done after Postulancy is granted. This includes a criminal background check, work history and education check, and 18