The ‘Auxiliary Pathway’ began in September 2022 as an alternative way for individuals to train to become locally-focussed ordained ministers. At our ordinations in June, 4 deacons and 10 priests had trained through the Auxiliary Pathway and they are all now serving their local churches as non-stipendiary clergy.
In September, a second cohort of people will begin the Auxiliary Pathway. They will begin a two-year part-time training course delivered by the diocesan Mission and Ministry team with input from the bishops. During the two years, the candidates will explore their vocation to ordained ministry alongside theological learning and will need to pass the national selection process (Bishop’s Advisory Panel) before they are ordained in the Diocese.
Peter Greaves and Prajna Pal-Lad were both recently ordained Deacon following their time on the Auxiliary Pathway.
Peter Greaves
Peter is a member of St Peter’s Cookley, which is currently part of the Kidderminster Ismere Team. He has lived in the Diocese for the past 14 years, attending a couple of different churches and before retirement was a teacher, including being Headteacher at St Margaret’s CE School in Hasbury near Halesowen.
He said: “From age 11, I was a choirboy and server in my church and did think I might be called to ministry. However, I decided my vocation was in teaching which I did for 40 years. After a major heart attack in 2007 I started the Bishop’s Certificate course, but my main focus was on my health. It’s only since I’ve been feeling a bit better that I’ve felt able to give more time to my church. Since then, I’ve done a whole range of roles and when my vicar suggested he felt I might have a calling to ordained ministry, it felt like the culmination of a lifetime of praise and worship.”
Peter was 70 when he started the Auxiliary Pathway and although he still sometimes struggles with his health, he felt well enough to be able to make a positive contribution to St Peter’s Church.
“Although the training wasn’t academic, it has been challenging, but also incredibly valuable. It was great to have regular time with the bishops and Mission and Ministry team led the group in a way that has been hugely beneficial. We’ve also all gelled together well even though we’re from different backgrounds. I’ve really felt that the Spirit wrapped around me to let me know that this is the right path. I would definitely encourage others to embrace the opportunity – it has fulfilled my lifetime hope and has enabled me to use my faith to lead others so that we develop together.”
Prajna Pal-Lad
Prajna Pal-Lad was recently ordained Deacon to serve at All Saints’ Church in Evesham. She trained as a Methodist Preacher in Munich, Germany while completing her doctorate in Biochemistry, but began to get more involved in the Anglican church when her children began attending a toddler group.
She said: “My faith started early when I was at primary school. I have always been a very curious person who likes to try to understand why things are happening. The mystery in some of the answers I received became the thread through which I understood God. My journey of loving science and loving God became interwoven. I have always found joy and peace through prayer while walking in nature.”
Prajna was baptised in the Methodist church and early on people started suggesting she should do something in Ministry. At the time she considered studying theology, but instead decided to focus on her science career. When she moved to Evesham with a young family, the toddler group was about to close due to a lack of leaders and Prajna was asked to step in. She began to attend the Anglican church with her children and has been there ever since.
“It was just after Covid when my vicar asked whether I might consider the Auxiliary Pathway. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to read and understand more theology. The teaching has been outstanding, and I have enjoyed the companionship of doing the pathway with a group – it has been a rich and diverse group and we have learnt from each other.”
Prajna sees herself as serving the parish of Evesham. “I am happy to do whatever is required. I already preach a couple of times a month and I’m looking forward to getting involved with baptisms and weddings etc. It’s all a little bit scary, but the congregation has so much faith in me, which is wonderful.”
Prajna would definitely encourage others to take up the opportunity. She said: “If God has called you, it is like a sneeze – you can’t stop it! I would definitely say to go with God’s blessings.”
If you feel you might have a calling to ordained ministry, you can find more information on the diocesan website. Please speak to your vicar in the first instance.
