We are in the process of creating a new deacons training program in conjunction with Bexley Seabury Seminary, to begin in Fall 2023. Accordingly, the revised deadline for OEP applications for the diaconate is March 31, 2023. Applications received on the previously stated deadline of December 31, 2022 will be reviewed first. Applications received between January 3 and March 31 will be reviewed on a first come first served basis. Until our deacons training program is in place, persons interested in the diaconate may take one or more of the Bexley Seabury Pathways courses, on which our deacons training courses will be modeled, as a preparation for enrollment in the Diocese of Southern Virginia deacons training program. Those intending to take a course to meet the requirements for our future deacons training course may request authorization to do so from Bishop Haynes by contacting the Rev. Dr. Ross McGowan Wright, Director of Vocational Ministries, rwright@diosova.org.

Below is the link to the Bexley Seabury Seminary Pathways for Baptismal Living:
https://bexleyseabury.pathwright.com/library/

Applicants will interview with the Commission on Ministry for postulancy. Those granted postulancy will receive formation and training for the Diaconate through a process approved by the Bishop.

Also speak to your rector. If you are a member of a congregation engaged in a search process for a rector, you will have to wait to apply until after the new rector has arrived. If you are ordained in another Christian body, please contact the Rev. Ross Wright, Director of Vocational Ministries, rwright@diosova.org, who will be glad to discuss the process with you.

The current cost to applicants for the Ordination Exploration Process is $1,000, which includes $100 due at the time of application. The entire fee is non-refundable. The fee is used to offset costs of the background check, psychological evaluation, and other expenses associated with the process.

Ordination Exploration Process Forms:

Diaconate OEP Flowchart

OEP Applicant Checklist

Diaconate OEP Application Form

Diaconate OEP Spiritual Autobiography

Behavioral Screening Questionnaire

Life History Questionnaire

Required Medical Exam

Authorization & Release Form

Application for Postulancy

Nomination for Postulancy from Sponsoring Vestry
 

About the Home Parish Discernment Committee - convening, session outlines, and sample evaluation letter