St Mellitus College pioneered this model through the launch of the Caleb Stream in September 2019. Designed for individuals with substantial leadership and ministry experience, the Caleb Stream offered a new, flexible route into ordained ministry that reflected the richness and diversity of callings across the Church. Its success highlighted the value of this kind of training and formation pathway.
Recognising the impact and potential of such an approach, the Church of England has since developed the Elizabeth Pathway. In response, we are delighted to align our existing Caleb Stream programme with the Elizabeth Pathway, continuing to offer accessible and rigorous training for mature candidates. This marks an exciting next step in a shared vision to equip and affirm those called to ordained ministry at all stages of life.
Further Information
The Elizabeth Pathway aims to revitalize the church by preparing experienced leaders who are called to serve in their local context as self-supporting ordained ministers. Through a two-year pathway, the Elizabeth Pathway is designed specifically for mature and experienced lay leaders to offer both discernment and training for ordination, supporting the Diocesan national discernment processes, preparing candidates for ordination ordinarily after two years. The Elizabeth Pathway is open to candidates at our London Monday, and East Midlands Tuesday Centres.
Candidates complete bespoke, high quality, training over two academic years, alongside their current job or role. At the same time, they are supported through the national discernment process for ordination. If accepted through the discernment process and with the support of their Diocese and Bishop then ordination will occur after two years. Candidates are then deployed as self-supporting ministers, usually back into the local context in which they are already serving.
The Elizabeth Pathway is open to candidates who have a track record of leadership, ministry and life experience, and who sense a call to ordained ministry. Candidates will need the support of their Diocese (DDO, Bishop) to join the Elizabeth Pathway. If you are interested in joining the stream, please contact us for an initial conversation by emailing elizabethpathway@stmellitus.ac.uk
