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