Here are frequently asked questions about becoming an ordained minister. These FAQ's are based on the questions we get asked most often. However, if you have a question that is not covered below, do get in touch with our Vocations Team.
-
What qualifications do I need to train for ordained ministry?
Some people start theological training with a few GCSEs; others start with PhDs! Some come raring to go, others dread the return to education. Overall, we find that our ministers are surprised by what they can achieve!
Educational and study skills support is available at all theological colleges, and the course you study will be appropriate to your level of learning and will give you the opportunity to be stretched and challenged.
If you want to have a go at theological study, we highly recommend the Course in Christian Studies.
-
Am I too young to train for ordained ministry?
Every year, we have people starting discernment and training who are young adults. If you’re under 18, we’d love to work with you and support you during the early years of your adulthood as you discern. Being young is not an obstacle to work around – it’s a gift!
Although a minimum age of 23 is required for ordination, and the minimum age requirement to begin a theological degree is 18, there is still plenty that can be explored before then.
-
I am worried that I’m not ‘right fit’ to become an ordained minister.
God creates each of us to be different – each of us are made in the image of God, and together in the diversity of humanity, we are called to serve God, and we will reflect God in who we are. That means we want ministers who are fully themselves, because being ourselves is the glory of God, fully alive.
-
Do I need to pay for ordination training?
Time spent exploring ordination is fitted around any work you have – in addition to meeting during the day, we can meet in the evenings and sometimes at weekends.
Ordination training is funded – you will not have to pay for your theological course, and if you’re under 40, you will have financial maintenance support during your training.
If you’re older than 40, your training will be part time around work commitments.
-
Can I explore ordination and undertake training if I have young children?
One of the benefits of ministry is its flexibility; for example, if you need to do the school run and be at home for the kids’ bedtimes, your diary can be laid out that way. Many ministers have children, and they find working in Church to be somewhere where the whole family can thrive.
-
Does my relationship status affect whether I can be ordained?
Whoever you are, and whatever your status – single, married or civilly partnered – what matters is your support network. If you have good people who you support, who support you back, you have what you need to thrive in ministry.
Divorce in itself does not preclude a candidate from being ordained. However, in the case of remarriage, there is an additional process which involves obtaining permission from the Archbishop of Canterbury which we will support you in.
The Bishop requires that the circumstances surrounding both the divorce and remarriage have been carefully examined.
-
I’ve heard that ministry can be intense, what support is available for this?
Being a minister is hard work – despite its flexibility, it can be challenging, and for a full-time minister, it usually plays out across a 6-day working week. But the wellbeing of clergy is incredibly important. For example, the Church of England General Synod has recently approved a 36-hour rest period for clergy, in addition to leave provided to go on retreat, and looking to the future, the clergy pension is being improved.
Read more about clergy pensions.
We provide all our ministers with support and resources to help with Ministrial Wellbeing. Wellbeing is all about human flourishing and functioning well. We aim to resource and enable all our ministry personnel to flourish in their ministries.
-
What if I have a long term health condition?
At the beginning of the process, we will ask if you have any disability or health condition you would like to make us aware of. We will make any reasonable adjustments to support you in your discernment.
-
Will I have to move house?
Candidates for self-supporting ministry continue to live in their own home, and in being appointed to a parish, the Bishop will ensure that you are within reasonable travelling distance of home.
It is understood that a stipendiary candidate is deployable and so will move to live in the house which is provided by the parish in which they serve.
-
How long will this process take?
The Shared Discernment Process is person-centred, and so it depends on the person. This means that some might have a shorter journey, and others longer. It would be fair to expect the Shared Discernment Process to take at least a year, often longer.
