Ministry Pathways
for the Priesthood
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.
I am discerning 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).
As you continue to discern, be curious and honest with yourself. Does this sound like a role you would like to embody?
Please take some time to reflect on these questions below to help you as you continue 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? |
| What or where are the ministries I have said “yes” to in my church? |
| What ways have I found to connect my life in my faith community with engagement in the larger neighborhood and beyond? |
| In what ways have I mentored others in their faith? |
| How do I understand my leadership in my local church? |
You may also recognize yourself or your calling in the examples below, or these may spark your imagination about something unique to you.
Expressions of
Priestly Ministry
| 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 or associate priest at a church |
| – Provide for the preparing persons for baptism, confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation | – Administering the sacraments | – Chaplain (hospital, prison, school, etc.) |
| – Development of leaders | – Performing baptisms, marriages, and funerals | – Formation minister (Children/Family, Youth/Young Adult, Adult/Senior) |
| – Provide pastoral care | – Preaching | – Church planter; College or campus missioner |
Formation 