The Call to Ordained MinistryThe Episcopal Diocese of San Diego

Diocesan ConventionWorkshop Session I

10 February, 2012The Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas

The Rev. Michael Russell The Rev. Dr. Laura Sheridan-Campbell

The Rev. William Zettinger

Workshop Overview

• Introductions • Report on Title III Canonical Changes • Touch on 11/8/11 Clergy Gathering• Lay out New Discernment Process• Describe diaconal and priestly ministries• Next steps

Background

Since GC 2009, the EDSD Commission on Ordained Ministry, by invitation of Bishop Mathes, has reviewed our current ordained ministry process.

While implementing Title III Canonical Revisions is a work in progress, we are pleased to introduce the fruits of our continuing work.

Commission on Ministry (COM)

Advisory to the Bishop In the design and oversight of the ongoing

process for • Recruitment• Discernment• Formation of Ministry

EDSD Commission on Ordained Ministry (COM)

• The Rt. Rev. James Mathes• The Rev. Canon Suzi Holding• The Rev. Dr. Laura Sheridan-Campbell, Incoming Chair• The Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas, Outgoing Chair and Chaplain• The Rev. Mike Russell• The Rev. Ed Harrison• The Rev. Cathey Dowdle• The Rev. Dr. Paul Carmona• Tom Mauro• Dudley Coke• Gary Koch

Canonical ChangesTitle III Revisions

• emphasize recruitment of leaders for diaconate and priesthood.

• are about discernment in community (congregations are to become more intentional cultures of ministry discernment).

• provide both a framework and means for this discernment.

Canonical ChangesTitle III Revisions (continued)

• while more discerning at all levels, they are more flexible and fluid than previous Title III Canons

(no fixed times of Postulancy and Candidacy, and more flexible in terms of Theological Formation).

• increase both the involvement and accountability of congregational leaders and leading clergy (rectors/vicars/priests-in-charge).

Information from Clergy Gathering

November, 2011

Recruitment and Discernment:WHO are we seeking?

Ordained Leaders

Qualities and CompetenciesOrdained Leaders

• Self-awareness, transparent, authentic, honest• Communication Skills• Conflict resolution• Skilled at self-management• Demonstrates fiscal responsibility• Adept at ‘telling the story’• Critical thinker• Grounded spirituality• Genuine charism• Possesses a Servant’s heart• Sense of Humor• Global perspective and engagement with world• Sacramental sensibility

Effective Discerners

Why Listening Hearts?For over twenty years, Listening Hearts has cultivated a vision of the church as a community of faith, eager for God’s guidance, alert to signs of the Spirit and alive with the prayer of deep listening. Located in Baltimore, Listening Hearts provides a range of programs, publications, and services that teach the practice of spiritual discernment through prayerful listening in supportive communities.

Qualities and CompetenciesListening Hearts Discerners

• Discretion• Sensitivity• Attentiveness• Well-developed sense of one’s own ministry• Trainable• Balances the spiritual and the practical • Understands the Episcopal Church/Ministry• Collaborative thinker

Terminology• Nominee – (formerly Aspirant) is a person identified as a

potential future ordained leader

• Discerner – EDSD’s working title for the Nominee

• Listening Hearts Discernment Team – diocesan-sponsored group, trained in the Listening Hearts discernment process, that meets initially with Discerner

• Parish Discernment Committee – parish-level discernment group (trained by Listening Hearts trainers), having two at-large diocesan Listening Hearts members, that meets with Discerner several times

Terminology

• Postulant - a Discerner who, upon completion of Ministry Retreat, and fulfilling all other canonical requirements for postulancy, is permitted by the Bishop to progress in the discernment process.

• Candidate – a Postulant who has fulfilled all canonical requirements for candidacy, and is permitted by the Bishop to progress to ordination.

The Revised Process• Rectors/Vicars/Priests-in-Charge identify person who may

be called to ordained ministry -- Nominee (Discerner )

• Discerner meets with Rector/Vicar/Priest-in-charge

• Discerner participates in initial Listening Hearts session

• Discerner meets with Rector/Vicar/Priest-in-charge

The PROCESS continued

• Rector/Vicar/Priest-in-Charge notifies Bishop and COM Chair that Parish Discernment Committee will be set up.

• Parish Discernment Committee is gathered. Bishop designates two at-large Listening Hearts members. Local members trained. Vestry notified.

• Concurrent with the discernment process, Discerner completes Ministry Project.

• Identify someone who may be called to ordained ministry – Discerner

• Listening Hearts session

• Discernment Committee set up (with 2 at large members)

• Experience in both culturally liberal and conservative contexts

The PROCESS continued

• Discernment Committee prepares report. Vestry then meets with Discerner. A 2/3 vote in favor is required for continuation.

• Discerner meets with Bishop and COM Chair.

• Discerner meets with COM, joined by Rector/Vicar/Priest-in-Charge.

• Identify someone who may be called to ordained ministry – Discerner

• Listening Hearts session

• Discernment Committee set up (with 2 at large members)

• Experience in both culturally liberal and conservative contexts

The PROCESS continued

• COM may recommend that Discerner: a) attends Discernment Retreat (formerly BACCM) b) enters into period of additional study/prayer c) explores other ministry opportunities NOT requiring ordination

• If a), then Discerner meets with Standing Committee and takes full battery of psych tests prior to Retreat.

• Identify someone who may be called to ordained ministry – Discerner

• Listening Hearts session

• Discernment Committee set up (with 2 at large members)

• Experience in both culturally liberal and conservative contexts

The PROCESS continued• Discerners participate in diocesan-wide Discernment

Retreat (late Feb/early March), attended by members of COM, the Bishop and other Diocesan Staff, at the Bishop’s discretion.

• At Retreat’s conclusion, Bishop, in consultation with COM, decides that the Discerner:

a) is named Postulant b) enters into period of additional study/prayer c) explores other ministry opportunities NOT requiring ordination

• Identify someone who may be called to ordained ministry – Discerner

• Listening Hearts session

• Discernment Committee set up (with 2 at large members)

• Experience in both culturally liberal and conservative contexts

The PROCESS continued

• COM supports Postulant in developing a Formation Plan (Education and Formation). Those moving toward diaconate will proceed to School for Deacons (now being developed). Those moving toward priesthood will attend a seminary, or combine academic work with formation in community.

• Postulants apply for candidacy toward the conclusion of formation.

What or who is a DEACON?

Diaconal Ministry

What or who is a PRIEST?

Priesthood

Next Steps – for those interested inbeing Listening Hearts Discerners

• Are you or other(s) in your parish called to the ministry of DISCERNMENT? If so, please contact the Rev. Laura Sheridan-Campbell, COM Chair at (760/717-2182 or pastor@holy-cross-church.org)

• Interested persons will be asked to dedicate one weekend to Listening Hearts training, and would be asked to serve two to three times each year 1) in initial meetings with Discerners and 2) as at-large members of Parish Discernment Committees.

Next Steps – for Clergy and Discerners• Clergy serving EDSD are REQUIRED to attend a session

on the New Discernment Process before any person from their parish can enter into the discernment process.

• Clergy having attended this session are then invited and encouraged to identify lay members who might be called to ordained ministry.

• Lay persons who are interested in ‘entering’ the discernment process must speak with their Rector/Vicar/Priest-in-Charge before taking further steps to pursue the new discernment process.