Rector/Dean/Vicar/Priest-in-Charge (hereafter called rector) identifies potential nominee.

• Nominee meets with rector
• Nominee participates in initial Listening Hearts session
• Nominee meets again with rector
• Rector notifies bishop and COM chair that a Parish Discernment Committee (PDC) will be set up.
• PDC is gathered.Bishop designates two at-large members who will train local members. Vestry is notified.
• Concurrently, the nominee, in consultation with the rector, identifies and completes a Ministry Project (guidelines available through the COM and on the diocesan web site here).
• PDC prepares a report. The vestry then meets with the nominee. A two-thirds vote in favor is required for continuation.
• Nominee meets with the bishop and the COM chair.
• Nominee meets with COM, joined by the rector.
• COM may recommend that the nominee:

1. attends two-day Discernment Retreat (formerly BACCM)
2. enters into a period of additional study and prayer
3. explores other ministry opportunities not requiring ordination

• If 1), then nominee meets with the Standing Committee. Psych tests are completed prior to the Discernment Retreat.
• Nominees participate in the Discernment Retreat (late winter/early spring), attended by COM members, the bishop and other diocesan staff, at the bishop’s discretion.
• At retreat’s conclusion, the bishop, in consultation with the COM, decides that the nominee:

1. is named a postulant
2. enters into a period of additional study and prayer
3. explores other ministry opportunities not requiring ordination

• If 1), the COM supports the postulant in developing a formation plan (education and formation). The School for Ministry as well as available seminaries will play a key role in forming deacons. Seminary training will play a key role in forming priests.
• Postulants apply for candidacy toward the conclusion of formation. A similar process of discernment, consistent with the previous steps, will guide the COM, Standing Committee and the bishop (who makes the final decision).

A lay person who is interested in entering the discernment process must speak with his or her rector before taking further steps to pursue the new discernment process.

Are you, or others in your congregation, called to the ministry of discernment? If so, please contact the Rev. Terry Dirbas, 619-302-1301.

Interested persons will be asked to dedicate one weekend to training, after which they will be asked to serve as at-large members of Parish Discernment Committees.