How to Become an Ordained Episcopalian Priest

Ordination in the Episcopal Church requires a great deal of education and preparation, as well as a fairly long discernment process. Ordination is not to be entered into lightly and the church provides many steps to make sure the prospective priest is truly called to serve in this way.
The Episcopal Church in America ordains both men and women, but the process is a long and challenging one. Unlike Roman Catholic priests, Episcopal clergy may marry and have children. In some dioceses, gays and lesbians can be ordained.

Instructions

Discernment

1. Talk to your parish priest about your interest in becoming a priest. Ask him or her to set up a discernment committee for you. Also discuss your desire for ordination with your family and friends.

2. Talk with the diocesan Bishop after you complete the discernment process with your parish and your priest.

3. Meet with the diocesan Commission on Ministry. Complete whatever requirements they may have for you, including a psychological evaluation and background checks. If you pass these steps, you will be admitted as a postulant to Holy Orders.

4. Select a seminary and apply for admission. Also apply for financial aid if that will be required.

5. Attend seminary to get a Master's of Divinity degree. This will take three years.

6. Take the General Ordination Examinations during your last year of seminary.

7. After you pass the examinations, talk to your bishop about ordination.

8. Become ordained as a transitional deacon.

9. Work in a parish for at least six month as a deacon then talk to the parish and the Bishop about ordination to the priesthood.

10. Become ordained as a priest.

Tips & Warnings

• Seminaries have different perspectives and personalities. Talk to members of the clergy, visit the websites of the various schools, and tour the seminaries that you feel most drawn to attend. If you choose to attend the seminaries of a different denomination, discuss this with your Bishop and find out what additional work, if any, will be required. At this time the ordination of gay and lesbian candidates is a controversial issue in the church. If you are gay or lesbian, it is a good idea to feel out the situation in your diocese before entering the process. Rural communities sometimes desire to raise up a priest from their congregation when no other priest can be found. Canon 9 priests can be ordained to serve in a single local church. They usually do not have to attend seminary. Many dioceses have a theology school where permanent deacons (those who don't want to become priests) and Canon 9 priests can train.