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Ordained Ministries

Information about discernment, the ordination process, and more
The ministry of a priest is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as pastor to the people; to share with the bishop in the overseeing of the Church; to proclaim the Gospel; to administer the sacraments; and to bless and declare pardon in the name of God.
The ministry of a deacon is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as a servant of those in need; and to assist bishops and priests in the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the sacraments.

Ordination Process

The ordination process in The Diocese of West Missouri consists of a series of stages that are mostly prescribed by the Title III canons of The Episcopal Church. The canon governing the ordination of deacons is Canon 6, while the canon governing the ordination of priests is Canon 8. The canons may be found here.

Individual Discernment

Aspirant meets with a spiritual director, sponsoring priest, and others for initial conversation. The rector/priest then agrees to form Congregational Discernment Committee (CDC).

Congregational Discernment

Aspirant meets with Congregational Discernment Committee (CDC) for approximately six months to discern call for further ministry. The CDC provides a recommendation to vestry. The rector and vestry may nominate the aspirant who, upon acceptance of the nomination, becomes a nominee.

Nomination

During this time the nominee completes the following:

  • The nominee meets with the bishop, if not already done
  • The nominee completes medical and psychological evaluation, and background check
  • The nominee is invited to a Next Steps Retreat with the COM, Standing Committee, and bishop
  • COM and Bishop give approval for further discernment, and a COM mentor and liaison are assigned

Diocesan Discernment

  • Nominee explores ministry opportunities during a second congregational experience for four to six months; meets with new congregation DC to refine focus on further ministry direction
  • Second congregation DC recommendation to COM
  • Steps to Postulancy Nominee is invited to a second Next Steps Retreat with the COM, Standing Committee, and Bishop
  • COM recommendation to Bishop
    • Bishop approves postulancy

Postulancy

  • Formal seminary formation begins. Students who have not completed a bachelor’s degree are referred to the bishop and the vocations missioner.
  • Postulants for the diaconate will attend BKSM.

  • Regional Seminary Option (Certificates in Presbyteral, Diaconal, or Anglican Studies)

    • The Bishop Kemper School For Ministry (BKSM)
      • For deacon Postulants, BKSM offers a two-year curriculum. Details of the curriculum are on the BKSM website.
      • For priest Postulants who expect to remain in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, or Nebraska, and who expect their priestly ministries to be either part-time or non-stipendiary. BKSM is designed specifically for students who will remain in the diocese while continuing to work at secular employment. The BKSM curriculum for future priests consists of 30 courses taken over three years. Details of the curriculum are on the BKSM website.
  • The postulant continues with seminary education and formation
  • Formation includes Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
  • The postulant applies for candidacy

Candidacy Interview

  • The COM make a recommendation to the bishop
  • The postulant meets with the Standing Committee
  • The Standing Committee consents to candidacy
  • The bishop grants candidacy

Candidacy

  • Candidate completes seminary and sits for canonical exams
  • CPE is completed
  • The General Ordination Exam (GOE) or diaconal exam
  • Diocesan Board of Examining Chaplains makes a report to the COM and bishop

Final Recommendation

  • COM recommendation to Bishop for ordination
  • The Standing Committee considers consent to ordination
  • Bishop agrees to ordination

Ordination

  • Diaconal ordination – vocational diaconate or transitional diaconate
  • For those called to be a priest, priestly ordination no fewer than six months later

Additional Information Prior to Ordination

  • All candidates for ordination will complete Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
  • All candidates will participate in field placement/internship
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