We believe that it is fair and helpful to all who take part in this process for us to be clear about the qualities and attributes we seek. First of all, the Deacons and Priests we seek must be committed to knowing and following Jesus, the Christ, and showing strong signs of growth toward maturity as Christians.
We believe that a person called to ordained ministry must:
- Firmly believe the vows he or she will take at ordination regarding the Holy Scriptures and conformity to the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Episcopal Church. She or he will accept the authority of the Bishop and have an open mind and loving heart for those within and outside our Church, who faithfully struggle with their beliefs. He or she will understand that ordination is not a “promotion” and will work collaboratively with all members of the Church.
- Show ability to offer leadership in the Church and in the outside world. This would include the capacity to offer an example of faith and discipleship, to collaborate effectively with others and to guide and shape the life of the Church community in its mission to the world as community-builders, competent administrators, and reconcilers. Be comfortable with the public role of ordained ministry. Be known as a person of honesty and integrity.
- Be able to speak of his or her vocation to ministry and mission. This sense of vocation will be obedient, realistic, and informed. Be articulate about their faith and life as an effective communicator. Be able and willing to talk openly and honestly about their relationship with God, be recognized as a spiritual person by others.
- Show an understanding of the Christian faith and a desire for a deeper understanding. Be in love with the faith, being formed by the Anglican tradition and always open to mystery and God’s continuing revelation. Have a vision of what the community of faith might become and an energy and enthusiasm to inspire others. Delight in shared ministry. Demonstrate personal commitment to Christ and a capacity to communicate the Gospel compellingly and authentically both verbally and non-verbally.
- Show evidence of a commitment to a spiritual discipline, involving individual and corporate prayer and worship in the Episcopal tradition. Be able to create a sense of harmony, order and reverence which draws people into the presence of God. Be able to deal with people of all age groups even if better at some age groups than others. Be compassionate and able to be present with people in their struggles in life.
- Be sufficiently mature and stable to show ability to sustain the demanding role of an ordained minister and to face change and pressure in a flexible and balanced way. Know how to get and receive consultation and personal help when needed. Be willing to deal with conflict and hard decisions, be able to “follow through.”
- Demonstrate self-awareness and self-acceptance as a basis for developing open and healthy professional, personal and pastoral relationships as ministers. Possess a sense of humor, reflecting trust and delight in God’s surprises. Demonstrate emotional awareness. Show respect for the tradition of the Church on matters of ethical issues. Be open to the opinions of others, be able to see the other points of view even when disagreeing with those viewpoints.
- Have the necessary intellectual capacity and quality of mind to undertake a course of theological study and pastoral preparation. Be open to life-long learning, and be willing to engage in continued theological education.
Perhaps the greatest challenge for today’s Deacons and Priests is to lead the Body of Christ in living out its mission in the world. They must be able to equip the saints for their ministry, not just in the congregation, but in the wider world where God-talk and servanthood are alien and risky.
These qualities will be most obvious in well seasoned individuals, though no one is expected to possess all of them. The question is often not “is the person X?” but “do we see in this person the potential for X?” In those who are still very young, we will seek a particular hunger to grow in these areas. We hope that we will always make room for the godly mavericks that will never fit a checklist.
In recommending Postulants to the Bishop the COM will also consider the particular needs of this diocese as they may be manifested at various times.