Discernment is the process of determining God's calling in your life.
This can apply when you are deciding whether to accept a promotion, or to enter into marriage, or to move to a new city.
Of course, these decisions can be made on purely practical bases, but as Christians we know that "We do not live to ourselves..." (Romans 14:7).
In Christian discernment, we ask for God to guide us so that we can live into a life and ministry that God wills for us.
Defined more narrowly, discernment describes the specific question of entering into holy orders.
Priestly and Diaconal Ordination Process Overview and Checklist
- Download this complete overview of the discernment process for Ordination to the Priesthood in The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
- Download this complete overview of the discernment process for Ordination to the Diaconate in The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
- View the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church, which discusses ordination in Title III, Canon 3.
Discernment Resources
- Download this list of resources to utilize during the discernment process.
Spiritual Direction
- Download our spiritual direction information sheet, which includes a list of available spiritual directors.
Theological Education
The Diocese of Missouri is affiliated with The Bishop Kemper School for Ministry in Topeka, Kansas. The Bishop Kemper School for Ministry offers classes for personal enrichment or for those pursuing education that may lead to ordained or licensed lay ministry.
Download an information sheet about the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry.
Commission on Ministry
The Commission on Ministry, as outlined in National Church canons, is charged with assisting the Bishop “in determining present and future needs for ministry in the diocese,” “in enlisting and selecting persons for Holy Orders,” and making recommendations to the bishop.
The charge to the Commission includes guiding and examining postulants and candidates, assisting with ministry enrichment for deacons and priests, and helping to explore and implement ways in which the diocese may live out its baptismal ministries.
Clergy:
- The Rev. Delaney Schlake-Kruse, St. Mark’s, STL (2029)
- The Rev. Zack Rugenstone, St. Peter’s, Ladue (2028)
- The Rev. Dcn. Schelly Reid-Levy, St. John & St. James, Sullivan (2028)
- The Rev. Nathan Haydon, St. Peter’s, Ladue (2028) Chair
- The Rev. Renee Fenner, All Saints’ & Ascension, Northwoods (2027)
- The Rev. Dr. Paula Hartsfield, Grace, Jeff City (2026)
Lay:
- Mr. Arun Vincent, Faith Christian Church of India (2026)
- Judy Hodge, Trinity St. Charles (2026)
- Debbie Nelson Linck, Christ Church Cathedral, STL (2026)
- Doris Lucy-Goodlow, Christ Church, Rolla (2027)
- Rose Hayden, Calvary, Columbia (2027)
- Angela Breeher, St. Paul’s, Carondelet (2028)
Diocesan Board of Examining Chaplains
The Diocesan Board of Examining Chaplains is a committee appointed by the bishop to work with postulants to the priesthood to develop formation plans. These plans are individualized to the academic and spiritual needs of the postulant, so they can vary widely. DBEC is tasked with advising the Bishop, the Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee that the postulant has made sufficient progress in his or her training to proceed on to candidacy and finally to ordination.
DBEC Members
- Dr. Isaac Arten, Chair (2029)
- The Rev. Pamela Stuerke (2029)
- The Rev. Susan Naylor (2028)
- The Rev. Dr. Marshall Crossnoe (2028)
- Bill Young (2027)
- Beverly Nesbit (2027)
- Ms. Elizabeth Hines (2026)
- Mr. Bill Eldridge (2026)