Handbook for Discernment Committees

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HANDBOOK FOR DISCERNMENT COMMITTEES

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

INTRODUCTION TO DISCERNMENT, pages 2-4.

PROCEDURES FOR DISCERNMENT COMMITTEE, pages 5-7.

RESOURCES, page 8.

GUIDELINES FOR DISCERNMENT, pages 9-10.

AREAS OF AWARENESS, pages 11-13.

SUGGESTED QUESTIONS FOR DISCERNMENT COMMITTEE, pages 14-15.

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An Introduction to Discernment

The New Testament offers many examples of discernment of callings for the good of the community. In a small, radical group everyone’s talents and strengths were needed for the group to continue to exist and to grow. Think, for example, of the Apostles choosing a replacement for Judas, or of Paul’s listing of the variety of gifts of the Spirit, all of which are necessary for the good of the Church. During the whole history of the Christian tradition there have been many ways to determine callings, and the scope of those callings has varied, depending on the polity, organization, tradition and needs of the Church at a given time and place.

If discernment is the process to understand and follow the direction God is calling us, then we need to have a broader base of understanding of the Church as well. To be called by God does not necessarily mean a path to ordination. Our Baptismal Covenant is the most important part of our life as Christians in the Episcopal Church. We are called to serve as ministers because we are the members of the Body of Christ.

A long overlooked source for Episcopalians is the Catechism or Outline of The Faith, found in our Book of Common Prayer, pages 845-862. In particular, the section entitled “The Ministry” is very important when it comes to discerning whether one is called to lay ministry or ordained ministry.

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The ministers of the Episcopal Church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons. Notice that the laity are the first to be mentioned, not the ordained ministers. The “Circle of Ministry” provided by the Day of Discovery authors, Linda Curtoys and The Rev. Sam McClain, gives the examinations for all ministries along with the Baptismal Covenant. From the Outline of the Faith (BCP p. 855): “The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship and governance of the Church.” THIS is part of the living conscience and heart of all lay AND ordained people in the Episcopal Church.

Now, in the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, we are in a time of change which calls for the efforts of all laity and clergy so that the church may flourish. Each needs to remember the vows made at Baptism. We promised to proclaim “the Good News of God in Christ . . . to seek and serve Christ in all persons . . . to strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.” Discernment is the effort to lead each of us to meet these promises. Discernment requires that both the community and the individual participate. Discernment can be informal: one friend saying to another, “Have you thought about teaching Sunday School?” It can be the formal discernment process which may lead to ordination. It can also be something in between these. Each parish/mission needs to develop an approach to discernment process which encourages parishioners

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to come forward, helps the community recognize and encourage a variety of callings, and protects both the individual and the parish/mission during the process. We need to let ourselves hear the promptings of the Holy Spirit with open hearts and minds seeking the best outcome for each person, for the community, and for the entire church.

Awareness of the possibilities for lay ministry strengthens congregations. As our society is going through changes, our church has to be more creative in how our ministries are created and supported for the survival and growth in the years to come. We will still have people who will move in the direction of ordination, but their journeys will be richer for the experience of being more involved as lay ministers in the church.

The Diocese of Utah offers this manual in the hope it will be helpful in your parish discernments and create a solid foundation to build strong future leadership in the church.

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Procedures for the Parish Discernment Committee:

There are three essential phases to all discernment processes regardless of whether the ultimate determination is for lay or ordained ministry. These essential components are a call from God, self-understanding of that call, and affirmation from the Church.
The faith community plays an integral role in identifying and recruiting lay and ordained ministers. As representatives of that community the members of the Parish Discernment Committee (PDC) help the individuals seeking discernment (discerners) determine whether or not they are called to lay or ordained ministry. Members of the PDC are appointed by the rector/priest-in-charge.
The discernment process is confidential. It is important that the discerner feels comfortable and safe in this process. Confidence needs to be developed for the discerner to be open and honest with the committee. To that end, the convener should remind all of the need for confidentiality, both at the beginning and end of each session, and discussions concerning the process, problems, concerns, etc., should be discussed as a group.
The facilitator, appointed by the rector/priest-in-charge, conducts meetings, helps the group to develop the agenda, makes sure meeting times are known by all members and the discerner. If the facilitator is unable to attend a meeting she/he should appoint someone else to conduct that meeting.
Each meeting should be discussed with the members before the next meeting.
It is important to open and close meetings with prayer. This may be rotated among the committee members. The following passages about the discernment of gifts are suggestions: Matthew 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:4-14; Ephesians 4:7, 11-16; Romans 12:1-8; and Acts 4:1-13. These can be read aloud as the group begins to meet and discussed as a way of becoming clearer concerning spiritual gifts.
Provide the Discerner an overview as to how the process will work. The first meeting should a brief personal introduction by each member of the committee, and an assurance of confidentiality of the process, from the first meeting to the final recommendation.
Follow Listening Guidelines such as those adapted from the Diocese of Western North Carolina below.

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Questions asked of the discerner or of one another are to be open and honest. This means giving no advice, no “why don’t you . . . ?”; no “Here’s what happened to . . “. This process should not be burdened by the personal agendasof the committee members, no matter how loving or helpful they may seem. Only ask real, honest, open questions. Example: Rather than asking—“Have you ever thought that it might by your mother’s fault?” (which is a question that is advice in disguise), an open honest question is one that the questioner could not possibly know the answer. “Did you ever feel like this before?” is a much better method.

Meet as many times as necessary to reach a decision.
Reach decisions by consensus. It is important and valuable that all members feel comfortable with their recommendation. Working through any concerns will make the final recommendation even stronger.
Prepare a report of consensus to the discerner, rector/priest-in-charge and vestry. This could also include further suggestions for the discerner.
Meet with the discerner after this initial process, to offer continuing support and follow up, to stay current with him/her, and also to learn what was done well, and what could have been done better.
Participate in training and/or readings offered for Parish Discernment Committees.

Discernment Listening Guides from the Diocese of Western North Carolina:

Discernment means distinguishing the voice of God from other voices that speak to us.
Discernment is a prayerful, informed, and intentional attempt to sort through these voices to get in touch with God’s Spirit at work in a situation and to develop a sense of direction in which the Spirit is leading.
Take time to become settled in God’s presence.
Listen to others with your entire self (sense, feelings, intuition and rational faculties).
Speak for yourself only, expressing your own thoughts and feelings, referring to your own experience. Avoid being hypothetical.
Do not challenge what others say.
Pause between speakers to absorb what has been said.

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Listen to the group as a whole – to those who have not spoken verbally as well as to those who have; generally, leave space for anyone who may want to speak a first time before speaking a second time yourself.
Do not interrupt.
Do not formulate what you want to say while someone else is speaking.

These are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. Discernment does require the safest possible environment, where people can freely explore their deepest thoughts and feelings without fear of being challenged.

Discernment is not about persuasion. It is about listening with one’s heart for the guidance of the Spirit.

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Discernment Resources:

Brach, Tara: Radical Acceptance

Curtoys, Linda and Sam MacLean: Two booklets. “The Role of Vestry and Parish Discernment Group in the Ordination Process” and “The Ministry of Discernment in the Episcopal Church”

Chittister, Joan: The Breath of the Soul: Reflections of Prayer

Farnham, Gill, McLean and Ward: Listening Hearts: Discerning Call in Community

Farnham, Suzanne G., Stephanie A. Hull, R. Taylor McLean: Grounded in God: Listening Hearts Discernment for Group Deliberations

Green, Thomas H.: Opening to God

Guenther, Margaret: The Practice of Prayer

Gorsuch, John: An Invitation to the Spiritual Journey

Kidd, Sue Monk: When the Heart Waits

Palmer, Parker: Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation

Sinetar, Marsha: Ordinary People as Monks and Mystics

The New Church’s Teaching Series (of the Episcopal Church): 12 volumes.

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Guidelines for Discernment for the Discerner and the Discernment Committee:

Spiritual Autobiography

Reflect your life story that has been shaped and experienced with God and others. What is your understanding of God’s presence or absence in your life. Share role models in your life and ministry and what you have learned from them.

Prayer Life

What does prayer mean to you? Describe your life with prayer.

Goals for Spiritual Growth

What is your understanding of spiritual growth? What are your growing edges? What are your goals?

Response to the requirement in the Baptismal Vows

Review the Baptismal Covenant on pages 304 and 305 in the Book of Common Prayer. How are you able to experience your life in light of these vows?

Stewardship

What is your understanding of stewardship? How do you see and experience the relationship of time, effort and money? What is your practice?

Authority

How do you relate to persons in authority? Share your experiences. What is your experience as an authority figure yourself?

Education and Work

Describe your education, study habits, work experiences, and habits, along with time management (meeting deadlines, responding to messages, etc.).

Ministry

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Describe your experiences in ministry in and out of the church.

Licensed Lay Ministries and Ordination Track

Refer to the Diocese of Utah Handbook on Ministry. Go to the Episcopal Diocese of Utah Website, and click on the Administrative Forms on left side of front page; click on Commission on Ministry to find handbook.

Family

Is person currently married or in a long term relationship? If so, does the spouse/partner support the person’s desire for lay ministry or ordination? Share with the discernment committee.
Has the person been married and divorced? If so, one time or more?
Does the person have children at home? Adult children away from home? Children living with the other parent in a divorce situation?

Financial Resources

For some of the licensed lay ministries, there are requirements to take courses. One needs to understand the financial costs.
For those on the ordination track, a 3-year formal seminary education for an MDiv will possibly cost $60,000 – over $100,00.00. Local training will bear some financial costs for tuition and books as well. The home parish might be able to offer some financial support.
For the ordained, there is no guarantee of a paid position in the church.

Understanding of the requirements of ministry

A priest is on call 24 hours a day.
Financial responsibilities of parish life.
Personnel situations with paid staff and volunteers.
Ability to respond to life situations: weddings, births, deaths, illnesses, divorces, etc.
Extra time taken up with licensed ministries.

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Areas of Awareness in the Process of Discernment for Lay Ministry and Ordination:

The Episcopal Church Tradition

An understanding of the “3-legged stool” concept—scripture, reason and tradition.
An understanding of the Baptismal Covenant as it pertains to seeking and serving Christ in all persons and respecting the dignity of all people.
Before seeking ordination, a person should be baptized, confirmed or received in the Episcopal Church, and been a member for a minimum of three years.
Questions to consider before a discernment committee;

Describe your experience as a member of the church as a whole and of the Episcopal Church specifically. What draws you to it? What turns you away? How many different liturgies have you experienced? How many congregations?
What role do you see yourself in the church—involved in licensed lay ministry or ordination?
What is your vision of the church of the 21st century?
Where do you see yourself making a difference in the church? Do you have a plan or a dream?

Understanding of the role and calling of licensed lay ministries and ordained deacons and priests

Eucharistic Minister: a lay person authorized to administer the Consecrated Elements at a Celebration of Holy Eucharist (Canon III.4.6)
Eucharistic Visitor: a lay person authorized to take the Consecrated Elements in a timely manner following a Celebration of Holy Eucharist to members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present at the Celebration. (Canon III.4.7)
Catechist: a lay person authorized to prepare persons for Baptism, Confirmation, Confirmation, Reception, and the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows. (Canon III.4.5)
Preacher: a lay person authorized to preach (Canon III.4.5).

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Worship Leader: a lay person authorized to exercise pastoral or administrative responsibility in a congregation under special circumstances, as defined by the Bishop (Canon III.4.3).

Evangelist: a lay person who presents the good news of Jesus Christ in such a way that people are led to receive Christ as Savior and follow Christ as Lord in the fellowship of the Church. He/She inspires, encourage, and equip church members to be effective witnesses to the Good News in Jesus Christ (Canon III.4.9).
A Deacon is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as a servant of those in need; and to assist bishops and priests in the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the sacraments. (BCP, p. 856)
A Priest is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as pastor to the people; to share with the bishop in the overseeing of the Church; to proclaim the Gospel; to administer the sacraments; and to bless and declare pardon in the name of God. (BCP, p. 856)

Self Knowledge and Awareness

Where do you see your strengths and weaknesses? How have you become aware of these?
As you become aware of your needs, how do you take care of them? Where do you seek to set limits? What are your priorities?
Are there behavioral patterns handed down from your family of origin that affect you? Where do you put red flags for yourself?
Describe a couple of successes and failures in life. What did you learn about yourself from the successes and failures?
How do you allow yourself some down time?

Faith Development

Please share about your faith development. Where has your exploration led you? Where are you now? What questions continually surface in your faith journey?
How would you articulate your faith to a non-believer? To a friend?
Who is Jesus Christ for you?

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Describe your prayer life. Your study habits. If this is an ongoing commitment, what has it meant to you? Are there times when this has presented difficulties for you? How have you reacted?

Do you have a spiritual director or someone in your life with whom you can share this journey?
Does your church community include the neighborhood beyond the church doors?
Do you recognize neighborhood/community in other people?

Leadership Skills

Discuss a time where you were able to take responsibility when there was a difficult decision to be made. What was that like for you?
What vision(s) do you have of the church and where might there be a risk for you if you choose to follow that vision?
How do you see yourself developing leadership skills in others? Can you describe a time when you succeeded? When you failed? What was that like for you?
What kind of leadership style is most comfortable for you? Have there been instances when your favorite leadership model needed to be modified? In what way? Why? What was that like for you?
Are you comfortable speaking in public?

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Suggested Questions for Discernment Committees for the following categories:

The Episcopal Church Tradition:

Has this person experienced a variety of parish settings?
Is there an awareness of the diversity of beliefs and worship experiences in the Episcopal Church?
Has there been enough exposure to the diversity of people who belong to the Episcopal Church or has this person simply become comfortable – in love with – his/her own church? In short, is there a need for more breadth and knowledge of the Episcopal tradition?
Does this person have a tendency to idolize the church or the roles of lay ministers, deacons or priests?
Does this person have an energized and creative vision of the church in the 21st century? Is she/he aware of the changes that will need to occur for the church to continue to thrive and flourish? Is there joy and energy to pursue a vision in the face of day-to-day adversities?

Self Knowledge and Awareness: