On Priesthood: Essential reading for anyone discerning for ordination in the Church of England

by Stephen Cottrell

‘with the Bishop and their fellow presbyters, they are to sustain the community of the faithful by the ministry of word and sacrament, that we all may grow into the fullness of Christ and be a living sacrifice acceptable to God’.8 This

A priest’s job is to break open God’s word and to celebrate the sacraments of the New Covenant. Nothing is more basic, nor more important, for one called to priesthood and therefore to servant leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ.

the ministry of the priest is a continuation of this ministry, giving assurance that this local manifestation of the one Church is also the same Church of Jesus Christ built upon the apostles. However,

The priest is called to be a servant, a shepherd, a messenger, a sentinel12 and a steward.

Cranmer’s own view of ordained ministry was largely utilitarian: ‘there was no essential difference between having distinctive ordination rites for deacons, priests and bishops, and having distinctive royal commissions for sheriffs, justices of the peace and common law judges’.24

The second question, then, is always about these words. I read out the opening sentences of the Declaration from Common Worship about a priest being a servant, shepherd, messenger, sentinel and steward. I then ask them which of these words they consider the most important, and why.

the treasure now to be entrusted to you is Christ’s own flock, bought by the shedding of his blood on the cross. It is to him that you will render account for your stewardship of his people.30 What

good, but if we’re honest, rather predictable. The servants are ready. They are waiting for their master. When he does return – whatever the hour – they are there to wait upon him and to serve his every need. This is surely where the story is leading.

digest – Jesus says this: ‘Truly I tell you, he [the Master] will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them’ (Luke 12.37b). The long-awaited master does not sit down and expect the servants to wait on him. He does not call for food and drink for himself.

‘Priests are called to be servants …’2 Which is another way of saying a priest is called to be a deacon! In other words, you never stop being a deacon. You never stop being called to wash feet. You never put the towel down. The diaconate is the heart and the heartbeat of all ministry. Christ is one who serves – the one who serves us, who are his servants − and we best follow him and emulate

him by serving others ourselves.

The vocation to priesthood is a vocation to represent Christ. The