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In the Episcopal Church, the Commission on Ministry assists the bishop “in enlisting and selecting persons” for ordained ministry. That piece of the commission’s work is commonly understood. But the commissions is also charged with developing training and affirm lay ministries. You will find resources for both those exploring ordination and those committed to lay ministry in these pages.

The Commission on Ministries pages are organized to reflect the Episcopal Church’s belief in “baptismal ministry.” The church teaches that in Baptism all Christians are called to be ministers, and that the nature of ministry is defined in the church’s Baptismal Covenant.

At the core of that covenant are five promises Episcopalians reaffirm every time they renew their Baptismal Vows.

  • Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
  • Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
  • Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
  • Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
  • Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

If you’ve come to this page, you are probably wondering about the specific nature of your own call to ministry, what shape it should take and how you can best structure your life to make that ministry most effective.

The process of answering these questions is often called discernment in the church. Discernment may begin as an individualistic endeavor, but you will benefit from the support of others, and if you seek to explore a call to ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church, must do so in the context of one of our congregations or faith communities. In these pages you can walk through various steps and scenarios in the discernment process.

Commission on Ministry Members

Todd Burton, Emmanuel, Rockford
Rose Cicero, Holy Nativity, Clarendon Hills and St. Andrew’s, Downers Grove
Emily Culbertson, St. Christopher’s, Oak Park
Michelle James, St. Edmund’s, Chicago
Deb Lang, St. Paul’s, McHenry
Greg Millikin, St. Mark’s, Evanston
Juan Reed, Spiritual Director
Jenny Replogle, St. Paul’s, Peoria
Tommy Rogers, Bishop Anderson House
René Schreiner, St. Simon’s, Arlington Heights
Adam Spencer, St. Elisabeth’s, Glencoe

Ex-Officio
Louisa McKellaston – Leadership Development Officer