Ministry Pathways
for the Priesthood
Derived from the Greek word presbuteros, meaning “older” or “elder” with a connotation of a leader holding a position of responsibility based on experience and wisdom.
The Ministry representing Christ and his Church to the people by fulfilling a pastoral role, sharing with the bishop in overseeing the church, proclaiming the Gospel and administering the sacraments (see also: The Ordination of a Priest, BCP, 525).
Through baptism, we become members of the Body of Christ and enter into a covenant with God to continue in the ministry of the apostles through worship, evangelism, and serving Christ in all persons. God is infinitely creative in expressing God’s mission through individuals’ lives and work, therefore the breadth of ministry available is as wide as God’s imagination.
We are all Christian practitioners of the good news, and our churches are communities of practice where we all attempt to live and learn into the shape of Jesus’s life and teachings together.
We are Living and Learning Communities of faith practice, which we express both inside and outside of the church walls.
AND…whatever skills or expertise you have developed, these can be used for ministry both inside and outside of the church. Whatever gifts, passions, hobbies, or talents you possess, these can be creatively re-imagined for ministry. And in all of these ways, we contribute to the ministry of the church.
We also bring all of our gifts, talents, and various skills with us when we pursue some of the more specific ministries within the church that many of us often feel called to…sometimes for the short term and sometimes for the long term.
You may recognize yourself or your calling in the examples below, or these may spark your imagination about something unique to you.
Some expressions of priestly ministry include:
| Responsibilities | Liturgical | Ministry Settings (stipendiary and non-stipendiary, bi-vocational) |
| Ensure the spiritual formation of and instruction in Christian stewardship for persons in their charge | Oversee the planning and conducting of worship | Rector/Vicar at a church |
| Provide for the preparing persons for baptism, confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation | Administering the sacraments | Associate priest at a church |
| Development of leaders | Performing baptisms, marriages, and funerals | Chaplain (hospital, prison, school, etc.) |
| Provide pastoral care | Preaching | Formation minister (Children/Family, Youth/Young Adult, Adult/Senior) |
| Church planter; College or campus missioner |
How do I know which pathway is right for me?
Making a decision like this is one that happens in community with others and with God. This is the spiritual practice of discernment, which requires a lot of prayer and self-reflection and listening for the movement of God’s Spirit in your life.
It’s also important to listen to and seek wise counsel from trusted friends and family members. You may also want to begin meeting with a Spiritual Director. It is also vital for you to visit with your Rector, Vicar, or Head of Congregation during your discernment process.
Here are some questions to help you as you begin the discernment process. Reflect carefully on these questions. We recommend writing your responses to them in a journal so you can share your answers with others when you discern with them.
- How am I claiming and living out my Episcopal identity?
- How is the Episcopal community important in my life?
- What are some of the practices I’ve found helpful in growing my faith?
- How am I involved in my local faith community?
- What ways have I found to connect my life in my faith community with engagement in the larger neighborhood and beyond?
- How has being part of a faith community clarified and/or deepened my spiritual life?
- What or where are the ministries I have said “yes” to in my church?
- In what ways have I mentored others in their faith?
- Where have I opened the space for conversation with others?
- How do I understand my leadership in my local church?
- How has my faith grown as I work to empower others to use their gifts to serve the community?
Formation 