The Ordination Exploration Program (OEP) is a two-phase process that culminates with an interview for postulancy. Postulancy “is a time, no less than six months in length, for the exploration and decision on the Postulants call to priesthood.” Phase I focuses on psychological evaluation, and Phase II on exploring the life and work of ordained ministry in a parish other than the home parish. At the completion of the program a person may apply for postulancy.

Before applying to the Ordination Exploration Program, you should have an in-depth experience of discernment. The Anglican Center for Theology and Spirituality (ACTS) of the Diocese of Southern Virginia offers regional Discernment & Discovery groups which provide an initial opportunity to discover “your growing awareness of your baptismal calling.” Your process of discernment may have also taken place in a parish group, a spiritual guidance group, or in the context of a college fellowship.

Contact The Rev. Dick Budd for information on Discernment & Discovery
757-564-0907 |

If you apply to the Ordination Exploration Program, you will be asked to describe in detail the discernment process that led you to explore ordination. Since the Anglican tradition understands a genuine call to ordination takes place in the context of a community of faith, the Ordination Exploration Committee seeks evidence of a process of discernment in community.

If you are currently a college student under the age of 25:

1. Have you been confirmed for at least 2 years?
2. Have you been an active communicant at the same parish and/or been involved in campus ministry over the last 2 years?
3. Have you shown evidence of extensive lay leadership in the parish or campus ministry (lay reader, Sunday school teacher, vestry member etc.)?
4. If divorced, have you been divorced for at least 4 years and demonstrated continuing concern for the well-being of your former spouse and children?
5. If you have experienced any recent major life transition (death of a close family member, marriage, birth of child, loss of a job), has at least one year passed since this transitional event?
6. Are you enrolled in a degree program with an accredited educational institution with plans to complete a Bachelor’s Degree?
7. Have you participated in an appropriate discernment process?

If you already have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution:

1. Have you been confirmed for at least 4 years & are you presently an active member in good standing of the same parish or religious institution for at least 4 years (exceptions are made for military)?
2. Have you shown evidence of extensive lay leadership in the parish (lay reader, Sunday school teacher, vestry member etc.)?
3. Have you participated in an appropriate discernment process?
4. If divorced, have you been divorced for at least 4 years and demonstrated continuing concern for the well-being of your former spouse and children?
5. If you have experienced any recent major life transition (death of a close family member, marriage, birth of child, loss of a job), has at least one year passed since this transitional event?

If the answer to all questions is “yes,” you can use the Application Manual into order to apply to the Ordination Exploration Program. Please review the Application Manual carefully and meet with your Rector to discuss it. You may download an electronic copy, or call Samantha Horrocks at 757-213-3391 to request a hard copy.

If you are exploring a call to the diaconate you should also arrange to meet with the Archdeacon, The Ven. Patti Davis to discuss diaconal ministry in Southern Virginia. She can be reached by phone at 757-460-3377 or by email:

If the answer to any question is “no,” you may not be eligible for the OEP at this time. If you have further questions please contact the Canon to the Ordinary by phone at 757-213-3390, by email or contact the Assistant to the Canon to the Ordinary by phone at 757-213-3391 or by email:

2008 OEP Phase I and II Manuals