Frequently Ask Questions

A diocese is a historical term used to describe a group of churches partnering together under the leadership of a bishop. Typically, the bishop is one of the lead pastors of the churches in the diocese. Often dioceses are geographical, the Diocese of Redemption is relational and based on shared convictions.

It is our belief that churches and pastors do better when working together. The purpose of the Diocese of Redemption is to enable like-minded churches to work together, supporting each other, and accomplish a common mission. We do so as a “convergent” diocese, passionate about seeing the three historical streams of the church blended together in our worship. We offer fellowship for isolated pastors and congregations, education and resources for growing churches, and support for churches going through difficult seasons.

No, the Diocese of Redemption does not own the properties of the member churches.

While member churches of the Diocese of Redemption receive oversight from the Bishop of the diocese, the Bishop does not control what happens in the local churches. The bishop collaborates with the leaders of member churches, but the Bishop does not dictate how member churches are run on a day-to-day basis. Member churches have freedom to minister to their communities in the unique way that God is calling them to serve.

Holy Orders quite simply is the process whereby the ministerial calling and gifting of an individual is recognized by the Church. What this process will look like depends on the individual background, education, and ministry training of each ordinand; but it will generally include a ministry preparation plan, canonical examination, and an ordination service where the ordinand will be consecrated as either a deacon, prebyter, or bishop.

Yes, we offer a process for clergy to be ordained into the Diocese of Redemption. Every person’s situation is different, and the best way to get started is to get in contact with one of our leaders.

This is not a problem at all. Our pastors and deacons come from all kinds of denominational backgrounds. If you are ordained in another denomination, our process of ordination will take that into account when putting together your ministry preparation plan. At some point in the process, clergy transferring from another denomination will be required to provide a statement of reassociation with the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches (CEEC). Likewise, churches that are joining the Diocese of Redemption from another denomination will be required to provide a statement of reassociation with the CEEC.