A Time for Discernment

What exactly does "In-Care" mean?   Is it simply a time of study leading directly to ordination?   Why does a student need two years In-Care? In the first of a series of articles from the Essex Association Church & Ministry Committee, the process of accepting a person "In-Care" was discussed.   We now wish to look at what takes place while a student is In-Care.

The process leading up to acceptance In-Care is a time of deep discernment for the candidate, the local church and the Church & Ministry Committee.   It is a time for communal discernment whether the person has an authentic call to ministry, the gifts for ordained ministry and the ability to meet the requirements for ordination.

There may be a perception that once this decision is reached and the candidate accepted In-Care that the discernment process is over and the student is now on a pre-determined and automatic path to ordination.   However, the truth is that the acceptance In-Care is only one step in the discernment journey.   The requirement for two years In-Care is in recognition of the need for continuing communal understanding of the individual's call and gifts.

As with the process leading up to acceptance, the In-Care period remains a shared responsibility between the individual student, the local church and the Church & Ministry Committee.   It reflects a covenantal relationship between the three parties to jointly share in the process of better understanding and refining the individual's call to ministry, identifying their own particular strengths and gifts and working on areas requiring development.

During the In-Care period, the student is responsible for continuing his or her prescribed course of study.   The student should also maintain regular communication and relations with their local church and the Church & Ministry Committee.   Keeping up these relations provide important contributions to the student's preparation for ordained ministry.

The home church also plays a vital role in this continuing discernment process.   They also need to be aware of the need to maintain relations with the student in a supportive fashion.   They also should seek ways to provide opportunity for the student to participate in the life and leadership of the church if the student remains in the area during their studies.   Through these experiences, the student can refine their understanding of their call and strengthen their gifts for ministry.   Representatives of the church may also participate in the annual review of the student's in-care status.

The process a student goes through in preparing for ordained ministry is one which requires support, nurture and ongoing communal discernment.   The understanding and refinement of a student's call and the gifts they may bring to ministry evolve throughout their time In-Care.   This period of discernment and growth must be approached faithfully and reverently and that is why students are required to spend a minimum two years In-Care.

Through this covenantal relationship between student, local church and the Church & Ministry Committee, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will recommend for Ecclesiastical Council candidates who fully understand their call and are prepared and able to carry out the work God has called them to do.

In Care Process Part 1

In Care Process Part 3