“The essential objective of any kind of Christian formation is to know God better, to love him more truly, and to become more faithful disciples and effective witnesses of Christ in every area of our lives so that we may be progressively transformed by the Holy Spirit into Christ’s image.”
— Statement of the EICS

The European Institute of Christian Studies (EICS) is the body responsible for the formation needs of Convocation leaders. EICS supports the study, prayer, and formation that all Christians require for spiritual growth. These three areas help build one’s knowledge of the faith and enable each of us to become more effective ministers in whatever work God calls us to do.

FORMATION PROGRAMS

Since its creation in 2000, EICS has developed a number of educational and training programs for the specific context of our Convocation, working to address the needs of people dispersed across seven countries, speaking a variety of languages and representing a range of diverse cultures and religious backgrounds. Some notable EICS-developed programs include:

• • A model for ordinand education and training that serves some of the unique needs of Convocation ordinands. The EICS coordinates closely with the Commission on the Ministry of the Baptized (COMB) to support those going through the ordination process and certifies that each ordinand has met the required standards.
  • Support for those called to licensed lay ministries. All baptized persons are called to be ministers, according to their different gifts. This ministry can be exercised in a variety of different ways among the laity and the ordained. Do you feel called to serve God and the church? Read about licensed lay ministry in The Episcopal Church here: Called to Ministry 2023.
  • The Academy of Parish Leadership is a rolling program of training in support of lay leaders based in Convocation parishes and missions. The APL offers training for parish leaders in the areas of stewardship, church finance and governance, and planning and teaching Christian formation programs. EICS also works with the other commissions of the Convocation to offer APLs in their areas or ministry: Racism and Beloved Community, Climate and Creation Care, Children and Youth, Migrants and Refugees. Shared leadership is a call from God, and the experience and input of lay leaders of the Convocation is vital to helping us to make good decisions in our work together. Some APLs are held in-person for 2-3 days; others are held via one or more Zoom sessions, usually 2-3 hours each.

LICENSED AND ORDAINED MINISTRIES – GUIDELINES WITHIN THE CONVOCATION

All members of the Episcopal Church are encouraged to consider any of the licensed lay ministries and/or consider whether they are called to ordained ministry. All of these ministries require a discernment process and appropriate training.

Licensed lay ministries are:

• Pastoral Leader
• Worship Leader
• Preacher
• Catechist
• Evangelist
• Eucharistic Minister
• Eucharistic Visitor

Ordained ministries are:

• Deacon
• Priest
• Bishop

Here is a link to the NEW guide to both licensed and ordained ministries: Called to Ministry 2023.

Here is a link to a flow chart for the ordination processes in the Convocation: Ordination Flow Chart.