Making Application For Credentials
How does one become a Deacon in the EFI
Here
is the order of obtaining Deacon’s Orders. for the Church of England (and other Anglican churches worldwide):
A deacon is the lowest of three orders (deacon, priest, bishop) within the church. The
first step is to talk with the diocesan vocations advisor who will give you information and discuss your calling. The first
thing he or she will ascertain is whether or not he thinks you have been callled by God, by your answers to questions, manner
and so on, or are just thinking of it as some sort of 'career move'. If the advisor is satisfied
you are being called then he will pass you on to the Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO).
You will meet with the DDO several times to talk through issues surrounding your calling.
He will prepare you for further exploration with the Bishop's examining Chaplains. You will see two of these - experienced
people (they can be ordained or lay) who will chat through your calling, spirituality,
suitability etc in more depth. They will then pass on their recommendations to the bishop. If positive, the bishop will then
meet with you and chat to you also, clearing up any issues raised by his examining chaplains. If he is happy then he will
officially sponsor you for selection.
Then there follows a three-day residential selection procedure where you will be expected
to make a presentation, lead discussions, and have at least three in-depth interviews. If the selectors agree with the bishop,
then you will be accepted for training.
Training will take around 2 years full time or 3 years part time. During the training you
will be taught theology, bible studies and so on, and put on placement in a local church. At the end of your training you
will be presented to the bishop for ordination. This first ordination will be to the 'diaconate' - in other words you will
be ordained a deacon.
Although some ordained deacons stay deacons for ever, most, after a year of further on-the-job
training, are presented to the bishop again for a second ordination, this time to the priesthood.
Both deacons and priests in the Church of England wear clerical ('dog') collars, and
have the title 'Reverend'. Like the Roman Catholic Church, the office of deacon or priest in the Apostolic Episcopal Church
is open to only men. Deacons can undertake most of the duties of a priest, but they are not authorised to give a blessing
at the end of a service, pronounce an absolution after
a prayer of confession, or conscerate the bread and wine at the Communion service. They can, however, visit the sick, baptise,
preach, officiate at weddings and funerals and so on. The third level of ordination, that of bishop, is received similarly
to that of the various Catholic Churches. With all ordinations and consecrations, they can only be received by men.
Filing Fees
the Embassy of Faith International has non-ordained ministers such as
local preachers, lay readers, accredited lay-workers and so on, however, lay ministers are not permitted to celebrate sacraments
as an ordained minister or 'priest' would.
Certified/Specialized
Ministers listed above: $ 50.00
Deacon
and Priest: $ 175.00
The
application will request as references the name of your pastor, ministers acquainted with your ministry background, friends
and employers. All references should know the applicant well enough to answer a comprehensive questionnaire.
A
synopsis of the required examination for those seeking first time license, along with specific study books will be sent to
you to assist you in preparing for the examination.
Most
Certified and Specialized Minister applicants may have to pass a written examination in order to become eligible, depending
on past experience. Your Pastor or a minister friend will administer the written examination. The Ministries Secretary will
notify you in writing that all your references and materials have been received and you will be requested to contact the ministry
offices and arrange a time and place for the test to be given. Applicants will be asked to use only their Bible during the
examination
Financial
Responsibilities
The
work of The Embassy of Faith International, in its program of developing the spirit of cooperation and fellowship in home
and foreign fields, incurs expense, including the financial support of the national offices. A suggested minimum offering
is listed below for each level:
Priest
- $50.00 monthly
Deacon
- $50.00 monthly
Certified
- $ 35.00 monthly
Senior
Retired - Free-will basis
All credentialed priests / ministers are urged to give more than
the suggested amount, either personally or through the church where they are a pastor.
Annual Credential Renewal
Credentials are to be renewed each year on the form provided annually. They are mailed in November each year and
are to be completed and returned to the Dayspring / EFI offices no later than December 31. Preists should call
the Ministries office if they have not received their form by the first month of the quarter before their credentials are
to be renewed. Renewal fees are as follows:
ANNUAL RENEWAL FEE FOR ALL MINISTERS $50.00
Renewals received after January 1 $75.00
Reinstatement fee if credentials lapse $125.00
Postmarked after January
15
Reinstatement
Applicants for reinstatement must complete an Application for Reinstatement provided by the Secretary/Treasurer.
If the applicant has been lapsed for less than two (2) years, they shall be required to furnish three (3) references. If the
applicant has been lapsed for two (2) years or more, they are required to take the written examination according to the status
of credential for which they are applying.
Applicants for reinstatement for all levels of credentials may
be required to set up a phone interview.