EXPLORING A CALL TO THE PRIESTHOOD
THE PRIESTHOOD DISCERNMENT PROCESS
All Christians are called to ministry by the Holy Spirit and to witness to the love of God in Christ. One way to serve in our church is through the ordained ministry of priesthood. Due to the unique nature of this role, each Episcopal diocese is responsible for discerning and supporting those called to this ministry. To learn more about the Priesthood Discernment Process in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, access the EDOW Priesthood Discernment Process Manual.
THE PROCESS AT A GLANCE:
Explore the visuals below to learn about the Five Stages of the Priesthood Discernment Process in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
MANUAL AND FORMS
The following documents are available for download. Begin with the Discernment Manual which lays out both what the diocese looks for in candidates for the priesthood and how the process unfolds. Local Discernment Committee Guidelines & Forms explains the role of congregation-based discernment groups in the diocesan process.
The deadline for the next cycle of priesthood applications is Fall 2027. All materials may be submitted via email to priestprocess@edow.org.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Members of the Commission on Ministry are available to work with congregations as they seek to become communities of discernment as part of their mission and ministry. Contact the Rev. Amanda Akes-Cardwell, Director of Formation and Discernment, to initiate the process.
