THE DEANERY PROCESS

BEGIN
PROCESS

LOCAL
PROCESS

DEANERY
PROCESS

Postulant

DIOCESAN
PROCESS

ORDINATION
PREPARATION

The Deanery Process is the second step in the ordination process—when an Aspirant moves into the Deanery Process, he or she becomes a Postulant. While the Local Process is intimate and close to home, the Deanery Process telescopes out to a regional perspective.

Postulants will meet with their deanery’s Ordination Preparation Team (OPT) during the Deanery Process to assess the Postulant’s character and calling to Holy Orders. To prepare for this interview, Postulants should be familiar with the Ordination Vows for a Priest or Deacon in the Book of Common Prayer, To Be a Christian (Anglican catechism) and The Canons on Ordination of the ACNA. After this interview, the OPT will then submit a written recommendation to the Rector, Dean and diocesan office. 

During this stage, a Postulant will also enter an ongoing relationship with the Regional Dean who will be the Bishop’s representative in their area. The Dean is equipped to discuss the needs and culture of a region and provides a broader community for the Postulant. An in-depth conversation between the Postulant and the Dean will determine next steps along the Path of Discernment.

“My Experience With the Ordination Preparation Team” with the Rev. Derek Metcalf

Get Started

If you are interested in entering into the Path of Discernment,
please contact your local Rector.


If you don’t currently attend a C4SO church, email the diocesan offices at ordination@c4so.org for next steps.