Acceptance of Clergy on a Case-By-Case Basis within the United States of America
The AFCC recognizes that we are not a mere "priest factory." Instead, we believe in a thoughtful and discerning approach to ordination, acknowledging the unique calling of each individual within the national boundary of the United States of America. Our commitment lies solely within this territory, and we have no intention of becoming an international denomination or jurisdiction. Therefore, those seeking ordination as priests or consecration as bishops with the intention of shopping around for it are encouraged to explore other options.
Ordination Process in the AFCC
At the AFCC, we emphasize that ordination is a deeply personal and community-supported vocation. Candidates for ordination must demonstrate a genuine calling to ordained ministry, backed by their community's support, and a clear necessity for such a ministry within that specific community. We encourage prospective candidates to establish a "vocations committee" to aid in the evaluation of their calling within the community they aspire to serve.
Our clergy, whether deacons or priests, should meet specific educational and practical training guidelines. While many pursue their education through established seminaries and minor orders programs, we acknowledge that most applicants are working adults with numerous responsibilities. Thus, we actively seek affordable programs to meet educational requirements, some of which are shared with our sister churches, while others are unique to the AFCC. These programs often include independent study and paper writing. Each candidate's previous education, work, and ministerial experience are considered, and no financial support is provided by the Church for education. Compensation for ordained ministry is determined based on the financial capacity of the congregation to which the ordained individual is called. Most of our clergy are bi-vocational or tent maker clergy.
Certain prerequisites exist before entering our ordination process, including:
A minimum one-year affiliation with our church before commencing studies.
The applicant must be of legal age and display emotional, psychological, and spiritual maturity suitable for ministry. A psychological profile and background check are mandatory, with expenses covered by the candidate.
Completion of the application process, facilitated by contacting the nearest local bishop.
Submission of a biographical essay/resume.
Acceptance of Clergy and Congregations from Other Jurisdictions
Clergy in good standing, ordained in other jurisdictions, may apply to the local bishop for acceptance into the AFCC. They should provide a letter of recommendation and demonstrate through a letter of excardination or other means that they are no longer under their former bishop's jurisdiction.
All transfer applicants must complete a six-month probationary period within one of our local dioceses to foster familiarity before permanent acceptance. This requirement may be waived at the local bishop's discretion, and each case will be thoughtfully considered.
Please note that our current focus is exclusively on clergy and laity within the geographical area of the United States of America. For inquiries or to explore vocations or ordination with us, please contact us at the following email address:
contact bishop llewellyn macrae @ [email protected] for more information
The AFCC recognizes that we are not a mere "priest factory." Instead, we believe in a thoughtful and discerning approach to ordination, acknowledging the unique calling of each individual within the national boundary of the United States of America. Our commitment lies solely within this territory, and we have no intention of becoming an international denomination or jurisdiction. Therefore, those seeking ordination as priests or consecration as bishops with the intention of shopping around for it are encouraged to explore other options.
Ordination Process in the AFCC
At the AFCC, we emphasize that ordination is a deeply personal and community-supported vocation. Candidates for ordination must demonstrate a genuine calling to ordained ministry, backed by their community's support, and a clear necessity for such a ministry within that specific community. We encourage prospective candidates to establish a "vocations committee" to aid in the evaluation of their calling within the community they aspire to serve.
Our clergy, whether deacons or priests, should meet specific educational and practical training guidelines. While many pursue their education through established seminaries and minor orders programs, we acknowledge that most applicants are working adults with numerous responsibilities. Thus, we actively seek affordable programs to meet educational requirements, some of which are shared with our sister churches, while others are unique to the AFCC. These programs often include independent study and paper writing. Each candidate's previous education, work, and ministerial experience are considered, and no financial support is provided by the Church for education. Compensation for ordained ministry is determined based on the financial capacity of the congregation to which the ordained individual is called. Most of our clergy are bi-vocational or tent maker clergy.
Certain prerequisites exist before entering our ordination process, including:
A minimum one-year affiliation with our church before commencing studies.
The applicant must be of legal age and display emotional, psychological, and spiritual maturity suitable for ministry. A psychological profile and background check are mandatory, with expenses covered by the candidate.
Completion of the application process, facilitated by contacting the nearest local bishop.
Submission of a biographical essay/resume.
- An essay detailing the vocational calling.
- Two to three letters of recommendation, one of which should ideally come from a clergy person (exceptions made for those without such a contact).
- Final approval after review by the bishop and/or bishop's committee on vocations.
- It is typically understood that most individuals called to the priesthood aspire to either form a community or serve an existing congregation.
- In the latter case, a letter from the current vestry or parish committee expressing belief in the individual's calling and the community's desire to call them into service is required. For those drawn to the ministry of a deacon, the vocational call essay must clearly outline the specific ministry and rationale. Deacons not attached to a specific community must explain how they intend to find their support network.
Acceptance of Clergy and Congregations from Other Jurisdictions
Clergy in good standing, ordained in other jurisdictions, may apply to the local bishop for acceptance into the AFCC. They should provide a letter of recommendation and demonstrate through a letter of excardination or other means that they are no longer under their former bishop's jurisdiction.
All transfer applicants must complete a six-month probationary period within one of our local dioceses to foster familiarity before permanent acceptance. This requirement may be waived at the local bishop's discretion, and each case will be thoughtfully considered.
Please note that our current focus is exclusively on clergy and laity within the geographical area of the United States of America. For inquiries or to explore vocations or ordination with us, please contact us at the following email address:
contact bishop llewellyn macrae @ [email protected] for more information