Want to Join Us? Well here’s some more information you need to know……………

 

 

Our Laity

 

In many traditional church and faith structures, only the ordained leadership have any say, and many of the 'ordinary' folk attending feel herded and left out of the major decisions that need to be made for the advancement of the spirituality of the community.

 

They often feel left to one side and their opinions as having no value. This is not the case within the ICSJ.

 

We believe wholeheartedly that God calls each and every one of us to a ministry, through our diversity of talents. By working together we become more complete in God's eyes and called to service in many different ways. (1 Corinth. 12 vv4-6)

 

If you feel you have something to offer, please speak with  Church House or your nearest clergy member and discuss ways in which you can be involved.

 

 

Our Clergy

 

We have a number of sacerdotal and industrial clergy within the ICSJ who offer church fellowship based ministry in the traditional way, or person centred, one on one ministry.

 

 

Often multi-cultural, sometimes faith specific, but ALWAYS under the over-riding impetus of wanting to assist the communities they serve to grow in faith and understanding of their own unique and individual relationship with their perception of God/Allah/Jehovah/the Divine Spirit etc.

 

 

No-one will ever be turned away on the basis of race, colour, creed, mental state, sexual orientation or social background. We do not believe we have the right to marginalise people who have already been excluded from mainstream society.

 

 

However, here it is important to recognise that we will exercise the right to administrate our membership with moral and legal efficacy and, where regrettably necessary, remove from Holy Orders those persons who do not live by the creed of the Great Commandments or who are in breach of civil law.

 

 

We have to accept that we have a duty to protect the communities we serve as well as our members and, while every effort is made to ensure due diligence in our screening procedures, occasionally human failings arise which we have to deal with.

 

For further information on clergy close to you please contact Church House during working hours.

 

 

Feel called to Ministry?

 

We have an open door policy on applications but, we must stress that we are NOT a simple clearing house for anyone who WANTS to be a Priest/Pastor/Minister etc.

 

 

This is a lonely, often thankless and frequently dispiriting job that calls for the most earnest and dedicated people. We do not pay salaries or stipends, you are in INDEPENDENT ministry but with a training that is second to none. 

 

 

Often you won't even get thanks for the work you do, except that you are safe in the knowledge that God has truly called and blessed you in ministry.

 

 

Of course, we should point out here at there are many diverse styles of ministry, and most of them do not require ordination or the wearing of collars and robes. Within ICSJ we have a large number of 'community workers' whose ministry is just as, if not more, valid then any priest or vicar. So please do discuss with us where you feel drawn and we will assist you in any way we can to fulfil your calling, even signposting you in other directions if that is more appropriate.  

 

 

If you are seriously interested in pursuing possible candidacy for ministry within the ICSJ, then please contact Bishop Ashley if Christian or Rev Eric if from any other tradition, in the first instance for an informal chat. Their details can be found in by clicking on the “Church House” Button on the menu. 

 

 

Or alternatively you can request and complete the Application form, and email or post it to the Moderator at Church House. Should your application be accepted and you are put through to the ministry board a hard copy must then be posted to Church House. 

 

 

Wherever you are in life, whatever you feel you want to do with your life, NOTHING but NOTHING is unattainable within the love of God!! 

 

 

Only you set the limitations on your abilities through negativity and a feeling of lack of self worth. Let God come in and open the door for you. If we can help in any way you only have to ask.

 

 

Application for training/incardination

All applications for incardination should be made directly to the moderator.

  

In the first instance, prospective Ordinands should contact Church House.  It has to be said that most often the candidate will be invited for an informal chat that quite often leads to rejection on the first occasion. This is not to discourage anyone but rather to get them to spend some time in what is known as ‘formation’, i.e. finding out through prayer and involvement where they are being led. Following that meeting the candidate will be called for an interview with  members of the Vocations Board.

  

Formation & Training

  

Formation and training requirements will be in consultation with the staff of the Seminary and are usually non residential.

  

Background Checks

 

 

  Prior to acceptance for training, candidates will be required to supply checkable references from twelve individuals who have known them for at least two years and can attest to their suitability for training and will also be required to undertake an Advanced Disclosure by the Criminal Records Bureau (police check) or appropriate local equivalent for non UK citizens.  

 

 

Without a valid and current 'enhanced' CRB check, ICSJ will NOT consider a candidate, as we have a duty of care and protection first and foremost to the community we all serve.

 

For incardination we require six letters of reference and the advanced disclosure.

 

 

These are our mandatory requirements. Electronic references are acceptable so long as a telephone number is attached for post receipt checking

 

 

 

 

 

Ordination & Post Ordination Training 

 

 For candidates who are new to ministry and wanting to take that first step on the path, candidates will be ordained to the Diaconate ( a general title for every faith structure within ICSJ of 'Deacon') following a minimum 6 months lay leadership practice within a local faith community, or a period of valid ministry in a separate and authenticated capacity to the local area.

 

How can you hope to be a shepherd to the people without at least a basic understanding of the emotions involved in the work?

 

It is sheer folly for any faith body to simply ordain people into the community where they will face the vulnerable, the desperate and the difficulties of life without training them as thoroughly as possible first. In fact, it borders on irresponsible incompetency at least and outright sheer inconsideration of the needs of the community to do so at its' worst.

 

Following a minimum 2 year diaconal role, candidates may then approach Church House for consideration for full Priesting/elevating to Minister status within their tradition, although many prefer to remain as Deacons under the guidance of a more experienced member of clergy from their tradition.

 

However, it is neither a mandatory nor automatic progression, and will be enacted solely on the merits of each individual case. Also, please be aware that the title of Priest and the role it refers to, is the sole domain of Catholic orientated men, all other roles are authorised as Minister/Pastor/Cleric etc upon agreement with Church House.

 

All ICSJ clergy and lay leaders from the Moderator upwards are expected to continue study after ordination. In-house courses are regularly held in the UK , local community members will often run courses themselves, and all clergy and lay leadership will be supported and encouraged by the Board to seek ongoing CPD (Continual Professional Development) through external sources, such as NVQ, City and Guilds and Degree courses from third party accredited sources. We have an inhouse seminary that provides the basics, however, we are always willing to look into emotionally and professionally supporting our clergy in the ongoing development of their knowledge and skills.

 

At this point it is important to remember that all our clergy are self funding and directed in their development.