Commission on Ministry
Staff Liaison: The Rev. Dr. Sarah Kye Price, 800-DIOCESE x1015
What is the Commission on Ministry?
The Commission on Ministry (COM) is a body of elected and appointed persons representing both lay and ordained people in the diocese who advise the Bishop around various aspects of the preparation and conduct of ministry (Title III) and in particular, the discernment and formation of those who are called to Ordained ministry as deacons and priests. The COM takes a holistic and global view of vocational formation, as outlined by the Canons, and ensures that its committees have the resources and support to enact the work outlined in the Canons.
In Virginia, the Commission on Ministry is comprised of several different sub-committees who together, engage the work of discernment and preparation of people for ministry in the church. Every person elected or appointed to serve on the Commission on Ministry is also engaged with one or more of these working committees. Elected members serve for 3-year terms, and Bishop-appointed members serve a single year term.
Canonical Precedent for the Commission on Ministry
The Episcopal Church:
Title III, Canon 2 of the Constitution & Canons of the Episcopal Church outlines the specific roles of the Commission:
Sec. 1. In each Diocese there shall be a Commission on Ministry (“Commission”) consisting of Priests, Deacons, if any, and Lay Persons. The Canons of each Diocese shall provide for the number of members, terms of office, and manner of selection to the Commission.
Sec. 2. The Commission shall advise and assist the Bishop:
(a) In the implementation of Title III of these Canons.
(b) In the determination of present and future opportunities and needs for the ministry of all baptized persons.
(c) In the design and oversight of the ongoing process for recruitment, discernment, formation for ministry, and assessment of readiness therefore.
Sec. 4. The Commission may establish committees consisting of members and other persons to report to the Commission or to act on its behalf.
Sec. 5. The Bishop and Commission shall ensure that the members of the Commission and its committees receive ongoing education and training for their work.
Diocese of Virginia:
The structure of Virginia’s Commission on Ministry is also defined under our Constitution and Canons:
Canon 22: The Commission on Ministry.
Section 1. Membership.
(a)The Convention shall elect six (6) persons, three (3) clerical and three (3) lay, to the Commission on Ministry; one in each order to be elected annually to serve for a term of three (3) years. No one so elected shall be eligible for re-election after having served two consecutive terms until after the expiration of one year, providing that nothing herein shall prevent the Bishop from nominating one or more such persons under the provisions of Section 1(b) of this Canon. Such persons shall be adult communicants in good standing of a Church in the Diocese.
(b)The Bishop may annually appoint not more than ten (10) additional members for a term of one year each. Such appointments shall be subject to confirmation by Convention. Such appointments shall be communicants in good standing.
(c)In the case of a vacancy in the elected members [Section 1(a)], the Executive Board shall fill the vacancy from the same order and that member shall serve for the balance of that term. In the case of a vacancy in the appointed members [Section 1(b)], the Bishop may appoint a member to complete that one-year term.
Section 2. The duties of the Commission on Ministry shall be those prescribed in the Canons of the Episcopal Church, including, but not limited to, advising and assisting the Bishop
(a)in the determination of present and future opportunities and needs for the ministry of all baptized persons and
(b)in the design and oversight of the ongoing process for recruitment, discernment, formation for ministry and assessment of readiness therefore. The Commission may establish committees consisting of members and other persons to report to the Commission or to act on its behalf.
Descriptions of Committees
Below, you can read a description of some of the working committees of the Commission on Ministry in the Diocese of Virginia:
Committee on Discernment
The work of this committee is to promote prayerful discernment throughout the Diocese of Virginia, including serving as Diocesan Discernment Facilitators for those discerning a call to the Diaconate or to the Priesthood. Discernment facilitators undergo training and shadow experienced facilitators before facilitating parish discernment committees independently. They also meet virtually twice a year to share experiences and encouragement with each other. Lay people, deacons and priests can serve as diocesan discernment facilitators on this committee.
Committee on the Diaconate
Meets in person 4-6 times per year, usually on Thursdays, for the review and evaluation of those applying for Postulancy and Candidacy to serve as Deacons. The Committee discusses formational needs and concerns of individuals, as well as considers the needs and roles of deacons serving in the Diocese of Virginia. The Committee also makes recommendations regarding Postulancy and Candidacy to the Bishop. Members of the Committee on the Diaconate also serve as contact people (“shepherds”) for individuals in the diaconal ordination process, starting as Aspirants and continuing throughout the process. The Committee on the Diaconate includes lay members, as well as deacons and priests.
Committee on Priesthood
Meets in person 8-10 times per year, usually on Wednesdays, for the review and evaluation of those applying for Postulancy and Candidacy for the Priesthood. The Committee is charged to make formation recommendations to the Bishop, as well as recommendations regarding Postulancy and Candidacy. Members of the Committee on Priesthood also serve as contact people (“shepherds”) for individuals in the ordination process, starting as Aspirants and continuing throughout the process. The Committee on Priesthood includes lay members, as well as priests.
Diocesan Board of Examining Chaplains (DBEC)
The work of this committee has two yearly priorities. 1) to develop and administer diocesan Canonical Exams to those in formation to serve as Deacons during their final year of local formation (usually in December or January); and 2) to review the results of the General Ordination Exams taken by those in formation to serve as Priests (national exams are given in January; results are available for review in February – March). In both cases, DBEC members are involved in making remediation recommendations in areas where further formation may be needed. The DBEC includes lay people, deacons and priests who serve as exam readers and committee members.
For more information on Vocation and Call in the Diocese of Virginia, please click here.
For a current list of Commission on Ministry and Committee Members, please click here.