Priests: Grounded in Christ, Flexible for Mission 

At baptism, every Christian is called to share in the ministry of Jesus Christ — to love, serve, and reconcile the world to God. Within that shared vocation, some are called to the distinctive order of priests, whose ministry centers on preaching, sacrament, and pastoral leadership within Christian community. 

In the Diocese of Ohio, priests are servant leaders — grounded in Christ and adaptable to the Church’s changing needs. They help God’s people discover the presence of Christ in their midst, nurture hope in challenging times, and guide communities in faithful, creative mission. Those who feel called to the priesthood enter a process of discernment that balances self-reflection, community affirmation, and spiritual formation under the guidance of the bishop. 

Rooted in the Greek word presbyteros — meaning elder — priests are ordained to represent Christ and the Church: to proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments, and pastor the people entrusted to their care. The Book of Common Prayer describes this ministry as follows:  

“The ministry of the 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) 

In the Diocese of Ohio, priests are called to hold two postures at once: deeply rooted and readily responsive — anchored in the Gospel and open to the Spirit’s movement in an ever-changing world. 

Priests in the Diocese of Ohio: 

• Are centered in Christ and sustained by daily prayer and sacrament.
• Proclaim the Gospel through word and action.
• Equip the baptized for ministry in everyday life.
• Lead collaboratively with bishops, deacons, and lay leaders.
• Adapt faithfully to new contexts and emerging challenges.
• Embody servant leadership marked by humility, joy, and hope. 

The Character of a Priest 

Those discerning a priestly vocation must reflect the following qualities: 

• Adaptability: The capacity to meet change with curiosity and grace, trusting God’s presence when circumstances shift.
• Obedience: A Benedictine virtue — listening deeply for how God speaks and responding with humility. Priests lead where God sends, even when it stretches their imagination.
• Creativity & Entrepreneurial Spirit: The ability to honor the Church’s rich tradition while exploring new ways of being Church and reaching those who have yet to experience Christ’s love.
• Hope: Holding the Paschal tension of Good Friday and Easter, priests bear witness to the mystery of resurrection in the face of despair.
• Emotional maturity and pastoral compassion.
• A collaborative heart that nurtures the ministry of others.
• Integrity and resilience rooted in prayer and the love of Christ.  

Formation and Seminary Education 

Formation for priesthood in the Diocese of Ohio integrates spiritual depth, academic study, and practical ministry experience. 

Those discerning a call to full-time priesthood are expected to attend an in-person, residential seminary approved by the bishop. Residential formation provides immersion in prayer, worship, study, and community life — forming priests who are both theologically grounded and pastorally mature. 

Other pathways may be available for bi-vocational or non-stipendiary priests, discerned in consultation with the bishop and the Commission on Ministry. 

Begin the Journey 

Discerning a call to ordained ministry is a sacred and shared process between the individual and the Church. 

If you sense a call to the priesthood — to lead, teach, and help others become grounded in Christ — begin the conversation with your priest and your faith community.  

To officially begin the “diocesan discernment process”, you must be: 

• A confirmed or received communicant in good standing in the Episcopal Church.
• Currently an active member of your faith community.
• Be sponsored by your clergy-in-charge. The sponsoring cleric must have known the discerner for at least one year and feel confident moving them forward after prayerfully reflecting on these considerations.
• Attend Ministry Discernment Day with your clergy-in-charge or other priest from your faith community. 
• Submit application for ordination, along with accompanying materials (spiritual autobiography, work history, and letter of recommendation/support from clergy-in-charge). 

Please contact the Office of Leadership Development to learn more about discernment, formation, and ordination in the Diocese of Ohio.