Preparing for Ordained Ministry

Ordained ministry is an exciting and big commitment. It requires thought and prayer as you prepare. Here you will find practical information to help you understand selection, training, financial support, and life in ministry.

Recently ordained people share their stories in this film from Blackburn Diocese:

Production, and some filming, by Ronnie Semley, Diocesan Communications Manager with additional footage supplied by the ordinands

How does ordination work?

The Church of England actively seeks to help people from a wide variety of backgrounds and contexts to answer the question, 'Is God calling me to ordained ministry', by testing their sense of calling. It does so through a Shared Discernment Process. Explore further here

If you are recommended for ordination training, you will train on one of three types of pathway through a theological education institution. 

Once you have completed your ordination training you will be ordained as a Deacon. Watch this film from Portsmouth Diocese to see what happens at an ordination of Deacons:

 

You will then begin your curacy and after a period of usually a year you will be ordained as a Priest (some clergy decide to become Distinctive Deacons instead). Watch an ordination of Priests service, also from Portsmouth Cathedral, here:

Testimony: Richard Springer

I admired that it did not chase culture

Testimony: John Naudé

There is nothing better than serving God in whatever form it may be

 

Get in touch with your diocese

Contact the vocations team in your diocese using the form below to begin exploring whether you have a calling to ordination. Your diocese will be sent your message and contact details and may get in contact with the ministry team in your church. If you don’t know which diocese your church is in you can find out on A Church Near You. Your data will also be held the National Church Institutions.

Your Diocese will most likely get in touch with the ministers at your church. If you don't know which Diocese you are in, please enter your postcode on A Church Near You
Data will be shared with the Archbishops’ Council, the diocese you have selected, and the ministry team of the church you worship at. We will not share this data with other third parties.

"When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. 'Do you understand what I have done for you?' he asked them.

'You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.'"

John 13: 12-16