priesthood

solas

Just a question, not sure if this is the right forum.
Recently a new non denominational church opened near by (not open yet, will hold its first service on Good friday). I like the idea of women ministers and I'm compelled to go to the Good Friday service there, havent been to chruch in years so it should be interesting.
I'm curious though about the ministry, how long does it take to become a minsiter/priest and where does one go to attain the cloth?

silly question but appreciate all answers.

(I might want to minister someday)

Excelsior

It depends. In the RC Church, for example, the training takes 7 years. In the Presbyterian, Methodist and CofI churches, the training is more like 5 years but with options to do futher study as one pleases.

In all of those mainline traditions, as in the Baptist fellowship, the ministry is officially ordained by the greater church.

In independent churches, there is no greater tradition and therefore, ministry is something one is qualified for by consensus- if the congregation accepts you then you are ready to go.

In most cases, an independent church leader will have studied theology at post-graduate level, but often at one of the american evangelical colleges that train up church leaders.

In terms of ministry, you really should join a church, immerse yourself in its life and test out your gifts and your calling on the field of play, as it were.

solas

Thanks.

I was telling my mother today that I was interested in ministering, she said that women can be ministers within the catholic church, she said although they are not permitted to celebrate the eurcharist that they can perform other ceremonies. Can you clarify?

Victor

Strictly speaking it should be a priest should do the gospel and consecration in a mass, a lay minister can do everything else.

However, it's not unknown for a lay person to do the gospel and a consercration is not necessary (the bread can have been consecrated previously).

Of course being a lay minister does mean putting the study / work.

Oh and you can get married.

solas

Oh and you can get married.

thats a sacrement I don't particularly wish to give up
I did a bit of googling, I'm just at the stage now where I know I need to get involved in education and while I live only a stones throw away from St Johns college in waterford (used to be a seminary) seminary is no longer there, but I did find that they still offer studies in pastoral care, which is actually more up my street.
Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.