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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.
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. Since ancient times the liturgical functions of deacons have suggested the activity of angels. 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.
The Iona School for Ministry offers a three-year program of required study, including a rigorous curriculum of academic, liturgical, and practical of formation necessary for ordained ministry including two years of significant field work. Following graduation and completion of the discernment process, students are ordained into the diaconate.
In their non-stipendiary roles as models of Christ’s servanthood, deacons are the bridge between the church and the world working with parish outreach, community organizations and missional communities particularly around local and global social justice concerns. Additionally, they represent the servant in the liturgy, teach, prepare candidates for the sacraments of baptism or confirmation, provide pastoral care and officiate at various pastoral offices.
In their non-stipendiary roles as models of Christ’s servanthood, deacons are the bridge between the church and the world working with parish outreach, community organizations and missional communities particularly around local and global social justice concerns. Additionally, they represent the servant in the liturgy, teach, prepare candidates for the sacraments of baptism or confirmation, provide pastoral care and officiate at various pastoral offices.
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Lay Track |
The Iona School for Ministry offers three different tracks for the lay professional. Lay students study side by side with persons on ordination tracks for the priesthood and the diaconate. None of the three lay tracks are designed to lead to ordination. A diploma will be awarded for the successful completion of the course.
The course work is academically rigorous. If you wish to deepen your theological foundation, bring a new level of understanding and knowledge to your life and ministry, and wish to make a deeper commitment to the mission of the church, then, we invite you to prayerfully consider this unique educational opportunity.
The course work is academically rigorous. If you wish to deepen your theological foundation, bring a new level of understanding and knowledge to your life and ministry, and wish to make a deeper commitment to the mission of the church, then, we invite you to prayerfully consider this unique educational opportunity.
The Iona Lay Immersion Track (3 years) prepares lay leaders for ministry in missional communities, and or assisting local parishes through preaching, teaching and ministry formation. It also provides a significant theological foundation for persons called to work as lay professionals in the church. Successful completion of the program qualifies graduates, on the recommendation of their rector and approval of the bishop, to be licensed as lay preacher, worship leader, lay evangelist, and catechist.
The Lay Preacher Track (1.5 Years) arises from Bishop Doyle’s requirement for an adequate level of theological education in order to issue a lay preaching license. This 3-semester preaching course satisfies his expectation. Successful completion of the program qualifies graduates, on the recommendation of their rector and approval of the bishop, to be licensed as lay preacher.
The Worship Leader Track (1 year) offers the opportunity to receive a deeper spiritual and theological grounding for the lay leadership of worship. Successful completion of the program qualifies graduates, on the recommendation of their rector and approval of the bishop, to be licensed as worship leader.
