As part of the Courageous Christian Leadership pathway, we are aiming to resource more people in ordained roles to the parishes of our diocese. We recognise that as part of the changing landscape of the church, God is calling and equipping leaders who are stirred by and wish to remain committed to the local context. The national Church has responded to this by creating the Elizabeth Pathway – a two-year funded programme that integrates a discernment year with elements of the first year of pre-ordination training. We are now in the process of forming a 2026 cohort in partnership with Sarum College.
Who is it for?
The Elizabeth Pathway is available (but not compulsory) for candidates who:
• Are aged between 53-65* at the start of training.
• Have demonstrated leadership in an aspect of lay ministry
• Can already show they are inhabiting at an ‘entry level’ aspects of the discernment qualities of Love for God, Call to Ministry, Love for People, Wisdom, Fruitfulness and Potential
• Have an expression of local support- usually a letter from the incumbent
*In some circumstances, an older candidate can be considered, at the discretion of the diocesan bishop.
What is involved?
Following an initial conversation with the Vocations Co-ordinator, a candidate would have some discerning conversations with a Vocations Advisor in time to then begin working with the DDO team by April. By July at the latest, the DDO would recommend the candidate to the Sponsoring Bishop to confirm his support to enter the Pathway at Sarum in September.
• The Sarum College element of the pathway offers a blended learning pattern combining online (weekly tutorials), residential and contextual learning. Candidates will have a reasonable flexibility within the blended learning pattern, enabling them to train alongside work patterns and family obligations.
• Alongside this, candidates will be required to participate in all elements of the National Shared Discernment Process as guided by the DDO.
If, at the end of the first year, a candidate is recommended for training, then they can continue into the final year of pre-ordination training.
What’s Next?
Please think carefully and pray about who you might encourage to explore this.
We are offering an online information session to incumbents and others who are in a position to encourage potential candidates at 16:30 on 20 January 2026.
16:30, 20 January 2026, click here to book your place.
If you want to find more information yourself, you can attend the next ‘Exploring God’s Call’ evening.
19:00, 11 February 2026, click here to book your place.
You are welcome to contact either Karen Hutchinson (Vocations Coordinator) or Nigel Done (DDO) if you have any questions:
Karen Hutchinson karen.hutchinson@salisbury.anglican.org 07917 912179
Nigel Done nigel.done@salisbury.anglican.org 07976 418920