How do I Become an Ordained Episcopal Reverend?
Becoming ordained in the Episcopal Church is a lengthy process, as it is in most Christian denominations. The term "reverend" is an appropriate and respectful title used to precede the full name of a priest or deacon. "Right Reverend" is used in reference to a bishop. Reverend is an adjective, not a noun, and should be preceded by the article "the" ("The Rev. Jesse Jackson.") Regardless of the title, ordination begins with the informal act of being a congregation member and ends with formal seminary training, a process that can take four to six years.
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Instructions
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Become an active member of a parish for a minimum of two years. During this period, you (the "aspirant") get to know church members and clergy and will be advised to complete various awareness and sensitivity training classes.
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Discuss discernment with the rector, at which point the Conference Chair will be contacted to meet with you. You'll be referred to talk with a priest in the Diocese Parish. A Discernment Committee is formed, and if the rector and you decide to continue, you'll complete a minimum of six months of group meetings. Your talents, knowledge and fitness for priesthood are discussed.
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Complete the application process upon your acceptance as a "nominee." You'll attend a nominee conference, after which the conference chair will provide feedback.
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Schedule a meeting with the bishop. At this point you'll be medically assessed, complete a psychological evaluation and complete required documents. You need to pay a fee for these evaluations.
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Attend the Postulancy Conference. Background checks are performed. A liaison is assigned to you to oversee the Ember Day letters you'll write four times a year until you're ordained.
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Enter seminary training. You'll be placed in a parish until you attend the Candidacy Conference, after which the bishop will review your progress and determine if you qualify to be a "candidate."
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Take your General Ordination Exam. After your results have been evaluated, you'll be certified as qualified for ordination. More medical and psychological testing is done and more paperwork is completed in order to confirm your appearance before the Standing Committee, which must recommend you for ordination.
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Appear to be ordained by the Transitional Diaconate.
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Tips & Warnings
While a member of your congregation, you should speak at length with family and friends about your decision to be ordained. It's a lifetime commitment that cannot be taken lightly or for the wrong reasons---that is, other than being called to the faith.
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Resources
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