How to Become an Episcopal Priest

Last Updated: March 12, 2023 Approved

Priests in the Episcopal Church are called to ordination by God, and the call is confirmed by the church in a discernment process with the prospective candidate for ordination.^{[1]
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Research source} If you believe you may be called to the priesthood, or if people have suggested that you consider ordination, the Episcopal Church offers a process to help you to explore that call. The entire process of prayer, education and consultation will take four to five years.

Steps

1
Test your vocation initially in prayer and by participating in ministry opportunities in your congregation. You are known as an aspirant during this initial phase in the ordination process.
2
Explore your vocation within your congregation.
- Ask your rector to pray with you and tell him or her that you are exploring the possibility that you are called to ordination as a priest.
- You will meet with representatives of the congregation, usually the Vestry (the elected lay leadership of the congregation) if your priest agrees that you may have a vocation. They will help decide whether to present you to your diocesan bishop and Commission on Ministry for consideration as a postulant for ordination, which is the next step in the process toward ordination.
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3
Meet with your bishop and Diocesan Commission on Ministry if you have the support of your parish committee and your rector. Share your discernment process to date and ask for guidance.
- Your diocesan bishop and Commission on Ministry will determine whether to approve you as a postulant, the first formal step in the ordination process.
4
Plan for, and begin, your seminary education.
- The Episcopal Church has 9 accredited seminaries that prepare students for the priesthood.
- You must apply to, and be accepted by, a seminary, which is a 3-year graduate program leading to a Masters Degree in Divinity.
- You may, if your diocese permits, attend a non-Episcopal seminary. You will need to complete additional studies or training in the Anglican tradition.
5
Continue to work and pray with your bishop, Commission on Ministry and home parish during your seminary studies.
- Postulants write Ember Day letters 4 times during the year to their bishops. Ember Day letters are written during the week of the third Sunday in Advent, the week after the first Sunday in Lent, the week beginning with Pentecost, and the week after the first Sunday following Holy Cross Day. Ember Days are traditionally special days of prayer and fasting for those preparing for ordination. Ember Day letters report to the bishop on your reflections during this phase of your spiritual journey.^{[2]
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- You will also continue during seminary to meet with your bishop and other diocesan representatives as prescribed by the regulations of your diocese.
6
Apply to your bishop, Commission on Ministry and Standing Committee to move forward in the process and be considered a candidate for ordination. You will usually be a candidate for at least 6 months before applying for ordination as a deacon.
7
Take the General Ordination Exam (GOE), usually during your final year of seminary.
- All candidates for ordination must take and pass the GOE.
- The exam consists of in depth essay questions, given over 5 days. Candidates are given 3 hours for each essay.^{[3]
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- The GOE covers the 7 canonical areas of the Holy Scriptures, Church History, Christian Theology, Christian Ethics, Contemporary Society, Liturgics and Music and Theory and Practice of Ministry.
- A new exam is developed each year by the General Board of Examiners of the church.
8
Apply for ordination as a deacon.
- You will serve as a deacon for at least 6 months before being ordained a priest.
9
Apply for ordination to the priesthood.
- You may be ordained to the priesthood upon the approval of the Commission on Ministry, the Standing Committee and the bishop .

Community Q&A

Question

Do you think the Holy Spirit is present in the church today?

Community Answer

The Holy Spirit dwells in the hearts of every believer. Wherever two or more are gathered in Christ, it is with them.
Question

Can those who commit a felony become an Episcopal priest?

Community Answer

All those who have been called to the vocation of the priesthood by Christ are eligible for ordination. While a felony may draw scrutiny, it is important to remember that all men have committed sin, but the sacrifice on the cross of Jesus, the New Covenant, offers redemption for all, regardless of the severity of sin.
Question

Can a woman become a priest in the Episcopalian religion?

Community Answer

Yes. The church ratified this in the 70s.