Are you interested in supporting someone discerning their call to ordination? Please express interest in hosting an explorer through a parish discernment internship.
The Commission on Ministry implemented a new “explorer process” in the Diocese of Southern Ohio in January 2024, and we now have a number of explorers who will be ready to begin the next phase of the new process: an internship in a parish not their own.
The internship period runs from February through the end of June. It is an opportunity for someone exploring the possibility of ordination to continue that discernment outside of their home congregation.
An Internship Discernment Committee will be formed within the parish and meet monthly with the explorer. Each meeting has an identified topic, goals, and follow-up responses.
During the internship, the explorer will:
- preach at least once
- have a public role in worship (chalice bearer, lector, verger, acolyte, etc…)
- lead a short-term project (including recruiting volunteers, organizing, etc…)
- teach a class or session of a class
- attend vestry meetings
A letter of agreement between the internship congregation and the explorer will outline specific expectations and responsibilities. It is understood that the explorer’s primary congregation during this time is the internship site, not their home parish.
During the internship the explorer also completes a background check, medical exam, and psychological exam through Midwest CDC. These are supervised and directed by the diocesan office of transitions, led by the Rev. Melanie Slane.
A complete outline of the new Explorer Process can be found here beginning on page 6. You can find this resource on the Ordination Process page of our diocesan website.
Parishes with interest in hosting an intern are invited to click here to complete the interest form.
Please contact me with any questions.
Peace,
Robin Holland
Chair, Commission on Ministry
The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio
rholl10554@aol.com | 614-266-4951
