Each track consists of 10 weekend sessions taught in community at Camp Allen, one weekend (Fri. evening – Sunday lunch) each month from September to June. Reading and field work takes place at home between the weekends. Tuition for Diocese of Texas members is $3000 per year and includes hotel accommodations for two nights, meals, snacks, student notebook, and theological study guides. This does not include travel or textbooks. Scholarships are available.
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Priest Track |
The Iona School for Ministry educates and trains people for bi-vocational ministry. By definition a bi-vocational priest is an ordained minister who serves congregations that are unable to afford a fulltime priest. Those serving in this ministry are either still employed in a fulltime career or are retired. Priests within the Diocese of Texas are assigned to small churches serving as non-stipendiary vicars, head-of-congregations, or pastoral leaders.
The Iona School for Ministry offers a three-year program of required study, including a rigorous curriculum necessary for ordained ministry including two years of significant field work. Following graduation and completion of the discernment process, students are ordained into the priesthood.
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Deacon Track |
Deacons are members of one of three distinct orders of ordained ministry (with bishops and presbyters). In the Episcopal Church a deacon exercises "a special ministry of servanthood" directly under the deacon's bishop, serving all people and especially those in need (BCP, p. 543). This definition reflects the practice of the early church, in which deacons were ordained "not to the priesthood but to the servanthood [diakonia, "ministry"] of the bishop" (Hippolytus, Apostolic Tradition). In the ancient Greek-speaking world the term diakonos meant an intermediary who acted or spoke for a superior. Christian deacons were agents of the bishop, often with oversight of charity. As they proclaim the gospel, lead intercessions, wait at the Eucharistic table, and direct the order of the assembly, deacons act as sacred messengers, agents, and attendants. The revival of the order of deacons in the twentieth century has emphasized social care and service. Many bishops in the Episcopal Church expect their deacons to promote care of the needy outside the church.
Deacons are members of one of three distinct orders of ordained ministry (with bishops and presbyters). In the Episcopal Church a deacon exercises "a special ministry of servanthood" directly under the deacon's bishop, serving all people and especially those in need (BCP, p. 543). This definition reflects the practice of the early church, in which deacons were ordained "not to the priesthood but to the servanthood [diakonia, "ministry"] of the bishop" (Hippolytus, Apostolic Tradition). In the ancient Greek-speaking world the term diakonos meant an intermediary who acted or spoke for a superior. Christian deacons were agents of the bishop, often with oversight of charity.
As they proclaim the gospel, lead intercessions, wait at the Eucharistic table, and direct the order of the assembly, deacons act as sacred messengers, agents, and attendants. The revival of the order of deacons in the twentieth century has emphasized social care and service. Many bishops in the Episcopal Church expect their deacons to promote care of the needy outside the church.
As they proclaim the gospel, lead intercessions, wait at the Eucharistic table, and direct the order of the assembly, deacons act as sacred messengers, agents, and attendants. The revival of the order of deacons in the twentieth century has emphasized social care and service. Many bishops in the Episcopal Church expect their deacons to promote care of the needy outside the church.
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Lay Track |
The Iona School for Ministry offers four courses of study for lay leaders who wish to enhance their spiritual formation, make a deeper commitment to the mission of the church, and/or lead missional communities. All programs are held at Camp Allen.
Is God calling you to join the chorus of voices proclaiming the Good News in your own generation? The classes for this program focus on Biblical studies and preaching, with additional courses in cultural competency and the Anglican tradition. Successful completion of the program qualifies participants, on the recommendation of their rectors and approval of the bishop, to be licensed lay preachers.
Is God calling you to take a place of lay leadership in the Church’s worship life? The courses focus on church history, the Book of Common Prayer, and worship/liturgy planning, and includes required field work focused on leading worship. Successful completion of the program qualifies participants, on the recommendation of their rectors and approval of the bishop, to be licensed Worship Leader
Is God calling you to start or sustain a missional community ministry or help your congregation engage more deeply with God’s mission in the world? The Missional Developer track offers classes on the core competencies for starting and leading missional communities. Courses include theology/ethics, applied apologetics, practical courses on leadership. Courses in leadership will include community engagement and developing others to lead. Successful completion of the program qualifies participants, on the recommendation of their rectors and approval of the bishop, to be licensed Evangelists.
Prerequisite: Either the Lay Preacher or Lay Worship leader track.
Prerequisite: Either the Lay Preacher or Lay Worship leader track.
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For those intending to take all three Lay tracks, the Deans recommend starting with Preacher, moving to Worship Leader, and finally to Missional Developer. Those who complete the three-year program may apply for licenses as Pastoral Leader and/or Catechist. Find more information by contacting the Iona Administrator.
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