This webpage is for those who are beginning to explore a vocation to ordained ministry. It will tell you about what happens while you are seeing and Area Ordination Adviser and then the DDO.
Basic information about vocations to Ordained ministry can be found in the document: Ordianed Ministry: How to respond to your call:
How to start the Discernment Process
To begin the Shared Discernment Process you must be referred to the DDO by your parish priest.
The initial stages of the Process are undertaken with mentoring from an Area Ordination Adviser. The DDO’s office will introduce you to your Area Ordination Adviser. The DDO Team will be in touch to make appointments for you after you have been referred on by yourArea Ordination Adviser.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks
Candidates will be asked to undergo a new DBS check through the DDO’s office (even if you already have a valid DBS certificate) and undergo up-to-date Safeguarding Training before beginning your regular appointments with the DDO.
Interviews with the DDO
Your interviews with the DDO are designed to assist in discerning your calling and to prepare you for your two Selection Panels:
- Stage 1 Online ‘Carousel Conversations’
- Stage 2 Residential Panel.
Information about these Panels and the Shared Discernment Process’ Qualities for Discernment can be found on the link below:
Stages of the Discernment Process
As part of the Discernment Process you will be expected to undertake the following:
- A Placement in a parish or context of a different tradition.
- A written project on The Priesthood or the Diaconate.
- An Assessment of Psychotherapeutic Wellbeing at St Marylebone HCC.
- You will also be invited to attend regular Anglicanism Seminars held on Saturday Mornings in March, July and September, and a residential Houseparty at the Diocesan House of Retreat at Pleshey.
The length of the Discernment Process
The Shared Discernment Process takes about 15 months but can take longer. However, candidates over 55 with significant leadership and ministry experience may be considered for the Caleb Stream, an intensive one year programme of training and discernment. It is important to note that to be considered for Stipendiary Ministry candidates must be ordained deacon before their 55th birthday.
Useful links & documents
- The DDO office operates within the Diocesan Safer Recruitment policy.
- Candidates are expected to be familiar with the Church of England ordination liturgies (‘The Ordinal’),
- Candidates must consent to abide by Promoting a Safer Church, and the Five Guiding Principles.
- The Pastoral Principles are helpful as we journey with others with different views.
- Broken Rites have published the Clergy Household Covenant which is useful for setting expectations with your family.
Support during the Discernment Process
Throughout The Discernment Process and Theological Training, candidates will be supervised by a tutor at college, and (if you train in a non-residential setting) by a Supervising Incumbent, usually the minister of your parish church.
Whilst those in discernment will receive support and mentoring from their DDO, parish priest and spiritual director, you are welcome if you wish to access the Church of England’s Ministry Mentor Directory, which is specifically designed as an open access resource for those who are from sections of the community that are historically underrepresented among the clergy.
