Jesus saw in Peter the gifts and potential for an incredible ministry that he was calling him to, even though others couldn’t see it at first (Acts 4).
The Peter Stream offers a distinctive experience of discernment, complementing the Church of England processes by offering candidates a diverse community of peers to journey with, alongside theological and formational teaching within the context of a worshipping community at St Mellitus College.
This year-long programme is designed to identify and encourage the gifts and calling of people and prepare them for the national discernment process.
The Peter Stream seeks to redress underrepresentation in ordained leadership in the Church of England - ethnic, social, and educational. It is open to candidates who have faced exclusion for these reasons and more. The focus is on supporting candidates on their vocational journey, helping them in the discernment process while encouraging their desire to grow in faith in Jesus and the gifts He has given.
Further Information
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- Exploration of vocation and, if appropriate, preparation for the two stages of the discernment process for ordained ministry.
- Formation through the development of discernment, life, study and ministry skills.
- Study at St Mellitus College.
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The Peter Stream year of discernment and preparation runs in the academic year from September to June. It contains three elements with dedicated tutors to ensure that the programme provides a safe and supportive environment to give each candidate space to hear God’s call on their life, to help them articulate that call as it relates to Church ministry, and to ensure they are well prepared for the Church of England's discernment process. Participation on the Peter Stream will normally be undertaken part-time attending on Monday morning. Existing employment and living arrangements are maintained. The three elements of this discernment process are:
Once the one-year Peter Stream programme has been completed, participants will be supported in pursuing suitable training pathways, including at St Mellitus College. Further study may take two to three years to complete.
The Peter Stream is a one-year introductory course combining theology and formational study. Study takes place part-time, attending St Mellitus College on a Monday morning.
Fees and travel are funded by the diocese/CRT, and it is expected that participants will contribute to their sending church with ministry responsibility where appropriate. The Peter Stream will work with diocese to support candidates through the two stages of the discernment process within the Peter Stream year, where appropriate.
Application to join the Peter Stream will be made by the Director of Ordinands (DDO) on behalf of the candidate.
If you sense you have a call, you should talk to your Vicar. If they are satisfied, they will refer you as a potential candidate to the DDO, who will refer you to the Peter Stream if they sense this could be a helpful route for you. Once referred, you will then be interviewed by St Mellitus College and, if accepted, a start date will be agreed on the next available programme.
Applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including those with little experience with the Church of England, are encouraged to apply. No formal educational qualifications are required.
