What is Ordained Ministry?

Ordained Ministry can involve work and ministry in many different styles  and contexts, locally, nationally and internationally. Fundamental to the Anglican approach are the three ‘orders’ of ordained ministry, that is:

Each of these callings (or vocations) will be exercised in a variety of settings. Leadership is one of the hallmarks of ordained life, both spiritual and practical, and the various orders will apply this within diocesan life, faith communities, teams, and in modelling discipleship to others.

Stipendiary Clergy

The gifts of priests and deacons can be applied in parish, chaplaincy, workplace and community settings. Stipendiary clergy work formally within these settings, often exercising organizational as well as spiritual leadership and are, as the name implies, renumerated for their ministry which is often full-time. Parish clergy, school and industry chaplains, and training clergy are typical of this group.

Honorary Clergy

Honorary (non-stipendiary) clergy usually have their spiritual base within a parish or school faith community. While earning their living through other skills, they have the unique privilege of ‘rubbing shoulders’ with the wider community and thus often have significant ministries in their workplace.

Both those who work ‘within’ the church organization and ‘outside’ in the community bring a richness of experience and skills to the leadership of God’s people.