Redeemer Family,

On Friday evening, November 14, two of our CCO college ministers, Tee Feyrer and Will Clark, will be ordained to the diaconate at the annual Diocesan Synod!

Now, I would imagine that some of those words may be unfamiliar to a few of you, so let’s brush up on our old-school vocabulary:

Ordained: This refers to the New Testament practice of church leaders laying hands on a person and praying for them in order to ask the Holy Spirit to set them apart for a particular area of responsibility and ministry in the church. There are three orders of ordination practiced by most Christian traditions: Deacons, Priests, and Bishops.
Diaconate: The word "diaconate" refers to the offices of deacons which is the entry-level form of ordination and is practiced in humble service. There is an old saying that goes, “If you cut open a Bishop you find a priest, if you cut open a priest, you find a deacon - because the humble service of a deacon is at the heart of Christian ministry.”
Diocesan: This word refers to our diocese (The Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic) which, for us, is a regional network of churches in Virginia, D.C., and Maryland.
Synod: This is simply an old word for an annual gathering of clergy and other church leaders.

Both Tee Feyrer and Will Clark have been in ordination process for a number of years now which includes a written application, in-person interviews and exams, psychiatric evaluation, seminary study, assigned reading, ministry experience, and recommendations from the Vestry and Rector of their parish.

I am grateful for the hard work and dedication that Tee and Will have both shown through this process.

Well done, brothers!

While most of us will not be able to be present for the service (since Synod is taking place in Maryland this year), it would be good for all of us to take a moment to pray for both of these men that the Holy Spirit would further equip them for the labors that lie ahead.

O Lord Jesus, who art the Good Shepherd that careth for thy flock: We beseech thee to bestow upon thy Church the gifts of the Holy Spirit in abundance, and to raise up from among us faithful and able persons called to the ministries of Deacon, Priest, and Bishop. Inspire them to spend and be spent for the sake of the Gospel, and make them holy and loving servants and shepherds of the flock for whom thou didst shed thy most precious blood. Grant this for the sake of thy love. Amen.

Additionally, our new Church Planter-in-Residence, Nathan Horner, has officially entered the ordination process, and we can support him with prayer over the next three years.

INVITATION FOR THOSE WHO SENSE A CALL TO MINISTRY

Now, as you’re reading this, you may be someone who has wondered whether or not you are called to ordained ministry. If that’s you, we would love to hear from you and help you with the discernment process.

Christian discernment is best practiced together, not alone.

You can find further information about the ordination process here, and we would be glad to walk you through it if you have any questions.