Ordination Discernment & Preparation Process

Archdeacon Jessica Jones

God has called the Gulf Atlantic Diocese to “identify, train, and deploy missional leaders” who will participate in the work of planting and strengthening churches that change the world with the transforming love of God in Christ – and God is doing just that! God bless you, whether you are discerning a call to ordained ministry, a clergy person assisting someone discerning a call, a member of a Parish Discernment Team, a Vestry person, or on the Diocesan Standing Committee. We want to support and assist you in this process, and hope that the process itself is formational as you follow Jesus Christ. We are committed to providing an effective and efficient process: to be faithful and thorough in identifying and training leaders, as well as deploying them as quickly as possible.

The Team

Ven. Dr. Jessica Jones,
Archdeacon

As Archdeacon, Jessica oversees the ordination discernment process as well as the transfer/license process, on behalf of Bishop Alex. In doing so, she works closely with the bishop, Standing Committee, rectors, and examining chaplains. Clergy formation (including both phases of the Missional Leadership Alliance) is also her responsibility.

If you have questions that the Ordination Process Manual and your rector are unable to answer, contact Jessica.

Rev. Dr. Bob Ayres,
Chair, Ordination Preparation Team

The Ordination Preparation Team is the group of examining chaplains who spend time interviewing those in the discernment process and who oversee canonical exams. Our chaplains are trained to discern alongside the local parish and the individual, ensuring the careful assessment under the Spirit’s guidance for the future of the Church. The ordination manual outlines both the aspirant interview and the canonical exam. If you are a clergy person interested in serving as an examining chaplain, please contact Bob.

Rev. Scott Perry
Parish Liaison

The first stage of discernment is completed at the local level. The local parish manages discernment with the Rector, then with a Parish Discernment Team (PDT). The PDT meets with the aspirant over the course of six months, carefully perceiving the Lord’s will for the individual regarding ordination.

In order to ensure this process is effective, Scott meets with each PDT prior to beginning their work. If you are serving on a PDT and have questions about the parish process, please reach out to him; he is a gift to our local leadership and is more than willing to be available to ensure a positive experience for the individual and the parish.

Forms & Documents

For More Information

If you have any questions about the discernment and preparation process, please do not hesitate to contact the Archdeacon and Canon for Leadership, the Venerable Dr. Jessica Jones.