Selection for Clergy

If you feel you have a vocation to ordained ministry, there are steps and support to help you explore this sense and find out more about the different opportunities available for you to offer yourself ministry.

During a process of discernment (exploring what God is asking of you), the first step for people who feel they may be called to a form of licensed ministry, to train either as a Reader or a priest, is to attend a vocations course. At a later stage, if it is discerned that the ordained ministry route is one they should explore, they will be given application forms and asked to meet with an Examining Chaplain.

The Examining Chaplain
The role of the Examining Chaplain is to interview the potential ordinand, on behalf of the Bishop, in order to discern evidence of a vocation to ordained ministry. After the interview the Examining Chaplain prepares a report for the Diocesan Selection Panel.

The Diocesan Selection Panel
The VRSO hosts the panel at which the candidate will meet the Diocesan Bishop (or another Bishop interviewing on his behalf). The Bishop, advised by the panel, will seek to discern whether a candidate should be sponsored from the Diocese for a Bishop’s Advisory Panel.

Members of the Selection panel are drawn from clergy, Readers and other lay people across the Diocese from a variety of backgrounds, experience and tradition. The interviews cover the vocational, pastoral and educational criteria set by Ministry Division. Advisers consider their experience of the candidate as well as a reference from the parish priest and sponsoring papers prepared by the VRSO.

As a result of the Diocesan Selection Panel the candidate may be asked to:

• consider other forms of ministry
• return to the panel after further experience
• proceed to a Bishops’ Advisory Panel (national selection)

Returning to Panel
The Advisers may have discerned a particular need for further reflection or experience. The VRSO will work with the candidate to offer appropriate resources and return to Panel when the suggested work has been done. A Vocations Tutor may be asked to meet with the candidate to offer a programme of reading and reflection.

Bishops’ Advisory Panel
This is a two day conference involving other candidates and Advisers from around the country. Its purpose is to advise the Bishop as to whether a person should enter theological training.

There are conferences throughout the year in various locations. Candidates have three interviews, give a presentation, lead a discussion and undertake some written exercises. The training course or college will be agreed with the Ministry Training Officer.

Non-recommendation
After a lengthy period of exploration, it can be difficult to lay down the hope of publicly accountable ministry. The VRSO will ensure that there is appropriate pastoral care and consultation.

Local clergy, the Vocations Adviser, and perhaps a spiritual director will be able to offer advice and support. It may take time for a candidate to become confident about the future development of their service and ministry.

Revd Julia Mourant, Vocations, Recruitment and Selection Officer
Tel: 01962 737315
Email: julia.mourant@winchester.anglican.org

Mrs Lesley Grimm, Department Administrator
Tel: 01962 737315
Email: lesley.grimm@winchester.anglican.org

• Exploring Faith
• Looking for God
• The Need for Church
• The Good News
• Selection for Reader Training
• Exploring Vocations
• Selection for Clergy
• Prayer Cycle
• Daily Prayer
• Environment