Feeling a call to ministry is a big deal. It can be life-changing, exciting, and, frankly, a little overwhelming at times. The prospect of navigating the Church of England’s discernment process might feel particularly daunting, regardless of your background or life experience. But you certainly do not have to figure it out alone.

Below is a clear, down-to-earth breakdown of what the ordination discernment process actually involves, alongside some practical advice for managing your energy along the way.

How long does the discernment process take?

It is definitely a marathon, not a sprint. The formal diocesan discernment process typically takes two or more years to complete. This timeline is entirely intentional; ordination demands a great deal from individuals, and a slower pace gives both you and the Church the breathing room to properly explore where God is leading you.

Because the journey involves a fair few meetings, deep personal reflections, and potentially joining discernment groups, it requires a sustained commitment of time and emotional energy. You will be spending time chewing over some really big questions about your faith, your leadership style, and what public ministry actually looks like for you.

A quick tip for your well-being: It is vital to pace yourself. It is perfectly acceptable—and often encouraged—to ask for gaps between stages or meetings to protect your energy, process your thoughts, and avoid burnout. You do not have to rush.

How do I actually start the process?

It all begins with a simple chat. The very first formal step is to sit down with your vicar or chaplain and talk openly about the sense of calling you have been feeling. They have been through it themselves, so they can give you a very real, practical picture of what day-to-day ministry in the Church of England actually looks like.

If you both feel it is right to keep exploring, your vicar will point you towards the next steps in your diocese. This usually means heading to a Vocations Forum—a relaxed event where you can meet others on a similar journey—or having a few initial chats with a local Vocations Advisor over the course of a few months.

A quick tip for your well-being: Unstructured networking events like Vocations Forums can be draining for many of us. Do not hesitate to ask the event organisers for a clear itinerary in advance, or enquire if there will be a quiet space available on the day if you need a moment to recharge.

What is the role of the Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO)?

If your local Vocations Advisor thinks you are ready to move forward, you will be introduced to your Diocesan Director of Ordinands (or a member of their team). The DDO is essentially your main guide through the local discernment process. Their job is to help you reflect deeply on your vocation and eventually decide if it is appropriate to send you forward to the national selection panels.

Expect these conversations to be profound and probing. You will chat about your prayer life, your grasp of theology and Church traditions, and how you tend to handle things like conflict or leadership. The DDO is there to champion your strengths, but also to help spot areas where you might need a bit more spiritual or emotional growth.

A quick tip for your well-being: These chats take a lot of processing power. If a question feels a bit too abstract, it is entirely fine to ask the DDO to clarify it. You can also request that they email you the discussion topics beforehand so you have time to gather your thoughts.

What are discernment groups and do I have to join one?

Many dioceses run local discernment groups, and your DDO will probably suggest you go along to one. They are usually a welcoming mix of clergy, laypeople, and other candidates. The idea is to create a supportive space where you can get solid advice, form friendships, and field some challenging questions about your readiness for ministry.

Being part of a group is also a great nudge to get a bit more stuck into your local church. Candidates are often encouraged to try their hand at leading worship, getting involved in community outreach, or taking on pastoral care to see how their calling feels in a practical, everyday setting.

A quick tip for your well-being: Group dynamics are not always easy to navigate. If you communicate best in specific ways, or if you simply need to step out for a breather during a long session, just let your group facilitators know.

What happens at the National Selection Panels?

Once your DDO feels you are ready, they will recommend you for the formal national assessments. You might hear these referred to as the Bishops' Advisory Panels (BAP) or simply Stage 1 and Stage 2 selection.

Stage One involves having six different conversations with six national advisors. Each chat focuses on a specific quality expected of someone entering ministry. It is not a final 'yes' or 'no' to ordination; it is really just asking, 'Are you ready to move on to the final panel?'

Stage Two is the final selection stage. It is a bit more intensive, involving two formal interviews, a short written task, and a group exercise. Afterwards, the panel writes a report to your bishop with their official recommendation on whether you should start ordination training.

A quick tip for your well-being: Please remember that reasonable adjustments are there for anyone who needs them. Whether you need extra time for the written exercise, accessible formatting, or a clear structure for the group task, you can and should request these well in advance through your DDO.