An Update on Olivia’s Discernment Process

As many of you already know, our own Olivia Abernathy has been discerning a call to the diaconate over the last couple of years. The formal process began shortly after we transferred into the Anglican Diocese of the South (ADOTS) back in July of 2024. This process consists of four distinct phases, each with specific steps and requirements to help the diocese and local church discern whether the Spirit is leading a person to ordination: (1) the Applicant Phase, (2) the Aspirant Phase, (3) the Postulant Phase, and (4) the Candidate Phase.

In October of 2024, Olivia was granted approval to move to the Aspirant Phase, which consists primarily of local church discernment. Though the Bishop and the Rector play key roles in the discernment process, the role lay people serve alongside them is extremely important.

Back in January of this year, we let the parish know that we had formed a Discernment Team who met with Olivia for two hours a month over a period of six months to explore together her personal background, character formation, spousal support, ministry formation, spiritual life, and possible call to holy orders. Lowe Finney was the chair of a superb team that included Jason Crawford, Melinda Jordan, Laura Priddy, and Sally Swanson.

This summer, the Discernment Team wrote a letter to the diocese summarizing their observations and whole-heartedly recommending Olivia for ordination. I write now to inform you that the diocese has officially moved Olivia into the Postulant Phase. 

Postulancy is a time of preparation. Olivia will continue taking online courses with Trinity Anglican Seminary to work toward an 18-credit-hour Certificate of Diaconal Studies, scheduled to be completed in May. A personalized ministry track here at All Saints will continue to expose her to what it means to serve as a deacon in the Anglican Church. And finally, this phase will culminate in a Deacon’s Exam provided by the diocese.

Please continue to keep Olivia in your prayers. Give her feedback. Encourage and support her. This is a privilege we all have to walk alongside her in this process toward the diaconate. It takes a church to ordain a deacon!