Practice Makes (Postulants) Perfect?

by Peter Frank

Anglicans have a word for everything.  The word to describe those who are moving toward ordination is “postulant.” 

On Friday, Nov. 19, the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic’s postulants gathered with Bishop John and members of the Examining Chaplains at The Falls Church Anglican for a half-day practicum aimed at developing their skills as leaders of Anglican worship.  The Examining Chaplains are responsible for the academic preparation of those seeking ordination in the diocese.

Postulants had an opportunity to hear directly from Bishop John about best practices for liturgical leadership and engage in some hands-on practice with the items they will often be responsible for in worship.

The goal, said the Rev. Peter Frank, chair of the examining chaplains, was to help postulants be ready to serve in worship when they are ordained and point them to resources to turn to when they have a question.  At least as importantly, the Postulants Practicum gave the next generation of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic’s clergy to meet each other, build relationships and pray together.

“Ordained leadership involves using our heads and also using our hands.  My hope is this day was a good supplement to the academic training our postulants undertake,” said Frank.

The Rev. Peter Frank is the Rector of Church of the Epiphany Anglican in Chantilly, VA.