The Church of England’s Shared Discernment Process can feel like a daunting wall of paperwork, interviews, and formal panels. If you have dyslexia, the heavy emphasis on reading, journaling, and written reflections might seem intimidating before you even begin.

But here is the truth: the process is designed to discern your calling, not to test your spelling. Dyslexia brings unique perspectives, deep empathy, and out-of-the-box thinking—all of which are vital for modern ministry.

The Church uses a two-stage national system. Here is a clear, step-by-step timeline of how the discernment process actually works, so you know exactly what to expect.

The Local Conversation – Phase 1

It all starts in your home parish. You will have an informal chat with your vicar, chaplain, or a trusted priest about your sense of calling. Before entering the formal process, your vicar needs to write a referral. They generally need to have known you for at least six months before doing this.

The DDO & Vocations Team – Phase 2

You will be introduced to a Vocations Advisor (VA) or a Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO). Over a year or more, you will meet them regularly to explore the Church’s “Six Qualities” for ordained ministry: Love for God, Call to Ministry, Love for People, Wisdom, Fruitfulness, and Potential. This phase involves paperwork, an enhanced DBS check, and an Assessment for Psychological Wellbeing.

Stage 1: Carousel Conversations – Phase 3

This marks the start of the national Shared Discernment Process. It is usually a half-day online event consisting of six 15-minute interviews (the ‘carousel’) with Bishops’ Advisors. You will discuss topics like articulating your faith, practical care, and engaging with the world. It is fast-paced, but reasonable adjustments for processing time can be applied here.

Interim Development – Phase 3.1

Stage 1 does not result in a pass or fail. Instead, it provides detailed feedback to help you and your DDO decide when you are ready for Stage 2. During this interim gap, you might undertake a local church placement, focus on specific areas of development, and meet with your Area Bishop.

Stage 2: The Residential Panel – Phase 4

This is the most intensive part of the process: a two-day, one-night residential panel. You will have two in-depth 75-minute interviews, take part in a collaborative group exercise, and complete a short written reflection.

The Recommendation – Phase 5

Following Stage 2, the panel sends a comprehensive report to your Bishop, who makes the final decision. The outcome might be an unconditional recommendation for training, a recommendation with specific developmental conditions, or a decision that you are not yet ready for training.

Owning Your Dyslexia in the Process

The Church is required to make reasonable adjustments to ensure the discernment process is accessible, but they can only do this if they know what you need.

• Declare it early: Tell your DDO about your dyslexia in Phase 2. Do not wait until the national panels are booked. Your DDO is your advocate and will help put support strategies in place.
• Ask for specific adjustments: For the Stage 2 written tasks, you can request extra time, the use of a laptop with assistive software (like screen readers or dictation tools), or having information printed on coloured paper.
• Remember the goal: The panels are evaluating your calling, your pastoral heart, and your spiritual resilience. They are not grading your grammar or your reading speed.