Vocational Readiness and Ministry Suitability Questionnaire (Enquiry Form)

Vocational Readiness and Ministry Suitability — Step 1 Initial Enquiry

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AOCM Institute of Ministry · Step 1

This is an Enquiry Form

This is an initial enquiry and vocational-readiness questionnaire.

Enquiries will be considered only when they are submitted through this form.

Incomplete submissions, and responses that do not meet any stated minimum word count, will not be reviewed and may be discarded.

You may save the form and return to it at any point before final submission. Please submit only when every required section is complete and you have checked your answers carefully.

Please note:
The Apostolic Old Catholic Mission, the Mission, and the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission NPC are used interchangeably in this form.

Before you begin:

Set aside enough uninterrupted time to answer prayerfully and with care.
Choose a quiet, private place where you can reflect without pressure or distraction.
You may save your progress at the end of each section and return later; do not rush, and do not submit until your answers are truthful, complete, and sufficiently detailed.

A Matter of Conscience

Ministry in the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission is a covenant of trust before God and the Church, not merely a title to be held.

It is neither honest nor fair to make this enquiry or to make promises you do not intend to keep. To continue while rejecting the Mission’s core ethos would waste your time and effort, and ours.

What we ask of you

Answer every question with honesty, care, and sufficient detail.
These questions help us discern your readiness, maturity, and suitability for ministry. One-word answers, overly brief replies, or vague responses to deeper questions do not assist that process.
If you are asking the Mission to take your enquiry seriously, we ask that you take it seriously also.
Enquiries that are incomplete, careless, misleading, or persistently lacking in detail will not be considered further.
The Institute of Ministry oversees formation. The Apostolic Old Catholic Mission oversees incardination or reception, safeguarding, conduct, and ministry authorisation.
Costs may be involved during discernment, formation, safeguarding, travel, materials, or administration. You must be willing to meet applicable costs when requested.

Supporting documents and what happens next

You will not be asked to upload or send certificates, identification, references, police clearances, or other supporting documents at this time. If you are invited to proceed, you will receive clear instructions about later documentation that is required.

Completion of this enquiry does not guarantee acceptance, formation, ordination, incardination, licensing, appointment, faculties, title, office, public ministry, or an invitation to Step 2.

We are seeking fellow labourers who can approach ministry with honesty, accountability, safeguarding, humility, and generous inclusion.

Please read this carefully before beginning your Step 1 enquiry.

Section 1: Your Details and Pathway

Please provide your details and select the pathway that most closely describes your enquiry.

First name

Last name

Preferred name

Email address

Country of residence

Time zone

Which pathway are you enquiring about?

Briefly explain why you selected this pathway.

Are you currently ordained?

No

Yes, deacon

Yes, priest

Yes, bishop

I claim previous ordination, but my documentation is incomplete

I am unsure how my previous ministry status should be understood

If ordained, state the date, place, ordaining bishop, jurisdiction, and present status of your orders.

Are you currently authorised for public ministry by any church, mission, jurisdiction, bishop, or ministry body?

Yes

No

If yes, please state by whom, since when, and under what conditions.

Section 2: Essential Requirements for All Pathways

These questions apply to every person making an enquiry. Please answer each one honestly.

Are you at least 21 years old?

Yes

No

Have you completed high school, Grade 12, or an equivalent qualification?

Yes

No

Are you able to read, write, study, and communicate in English at approximately C1 level or higher?

Yes

No

Not sure

Do you have reliable access to a computer or tablet suitable for online study and document work?

Yes

No

Do you have reliable internet access for online learning, video meetings, document uploads, and communication?

Yes

No

Are you able to record and upload short video assignments or ministry demonstrations where required?

Yes

No

Are you willing to provide a police clearance, criminal record check, or local equivalent when requested?

Yes

No

Are you willing to complete safeguarding training as required by the Mission?

Yes

No

Are you willing to sign and observe the Mission’s Code of Conduct and Clergy Covenant?

Yes

No

Do you understand that formation, priestly formation, incardination, or reception does not guarantee ordination, licensing, appointment, faculties, title, or public ministry?

Yes

No

Do you understand that the Mission does not recognise online-only ordination and that ordination requires the physical laying on of hands by a validly ordained bishop?

Yes

No

Do you understand that ministry is normally self-supporting, that costs may be involved, and that applicable costs are normally your responsibility?

Yes

No

Are you willing to serve within the inclusive ethos of the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission, including the full dignity and welcome of women, LGBTQI+ people, and others who have often been excluded from church life?

Yes

No

I need to discuss this

Are you willing to accept that the Mission may pause, defer, decline, or end your enquiry or pathway if concerns arise?

Yes

No

Section 3: Initial Formation

Complete this section if you are enquiring about initial formation for ministry.

Why are you seeking formation at this time?

What do you believe Christian ministry is for?

What form of ministry do you currently believe you may be called to?

What experience, if any, do you already have in church, pastoral, community, charitable, teaching, liturgical, or caring work?

What evidence suggests that others recognise a vocation or ministry gift in you?

If the Mission decided that you were not ready for ordination or public ministry, how would you respond?

Please respond to each statement

Choose: Strongly disagree, Disagree, Not sure, Agree, or Strongly agree.

I am seeking formation because I want to serve, not because I want status.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I am willing to begin slowly and be tested carefully.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I can accept correction from mentors, clergy, and formation leaders.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I would continue serving Christ even if I were never ordained.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I understand that ministry includes hidden, ordinary, and difficult work.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I am willing to be formed in character, conduct, prayer, study, and accountability.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I do not believe that personal desire alone proves vocation.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

Section 4: Priestly Formation

Complete this section if you are enquiring about priestly formation.

What previous formation have you completed?

Are you currently ordained as a deacon or otherwise formally recognised for ministry?

Yes

No

If yes, describe your diaconal, pastoral, liturgical, preaching, teaching, or community ministry to date.

Why are you seeking priestly formation rather than continuing in diaconal, lay, licensed, or other ministry?

What evidence suggests that others recognise priestly vocation in you?

Describe your understanding of priesthood as service rather than promotion.

Describe your understanding of sacramental responsibility, especially the Eucharist, confession, pastoral care, and preaching.

What areas of your character, conduct, theology, or pastoral practice still need formation before priestly ministry?

How would you respond if the Mission concluded that you should remain in diaconal or non-priestly ministry for the time being?

Please respond to each statement

Choose: Strongly disagree, Disagree, Not sure, Agree, or Strongly agree.

I understand priesthood as deeper service, not higher status.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I accept that priestly formation must test maturity, discipline, sacramental theology, pastoral judgement, and reliability.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I can accept a delay or refusal of priestly ordination without becoming hostile or withdrawing from accountability.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I understand that preaching and sacramental ministry require humility, discipline, and obedience.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I am willing to be observed, assessed, and corrected in liturgical and pastoral practice.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I would not present myself as priestly, quasi-priestly, or authorised for priestly ministry without permission.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I understand that priestly ministry must be exercised under authority, not as a private possession.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

Section 5: Incardination or Reception of Orders

Complete this section if you are enquiring about incardination or reception of existing orders.

State your present or most recent jurisdiction, church, mission, or ministry body.

State your current canonical, ecclesial, or ministry status.

In good standing

Suspended

Removed

Resigned

Retired

Independent / unaffiliated

Unclear

Other

If you are not clearly in good standing, please explain fully.

Why are you seeking incardination or reception into the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission?

Why are you leaving, or why did you leave, your previous jurisdiction or ministry body?

Have you informed your present or previous bishop, superior, governing body, or ministry authority that you are seeking incardination elsewhere?

Yes

No

Not applicable

Are there any unresolved complaints, disputes, safeguarding matters, disciplinary matters, financial matters, legal issues, or allegations involving your previous or current ministry?

Yes

No

If yes, explain fully.

Have you ever been refused incardination, refused faculties, refused ordination, suspended, removed from ministry, asked to step down, or placed under restrictions?

Yes

No

If yes, explain fully.

Have you ever used episcopal, priestly, diaconal, academic, chivalric, monastic, or ecclesiastical titles that were later challenged, withdrawn, disputed, or not recognised by others?

Yes

No

If yes, explain fully.

Provide a summary of your ordination history, apostolic succession documentation, faculties, ministry authorisations, and any gaps in the record. Do not upload documents at Step 1.

Are you willing to complete the Mission’s required incardination, safeguarding, orientation, and formation requirements before exercising public ministry under the Mission?

Yes

No

Are you willing to minister as directed by the Bishop-Rector and Mission Council, even if this means serving in a more limited role than you have held previously?

Yes

No

Are you willing to refrain from using titles, styles, claims, faculties, or public ministry permissions that the Mission has not authorised?

Yes

No

Please respond to each statement

Choose: Strongly disagree, Disagree, Not sure, Agree, or Strongly agree.

I am seeking incardination for accountability and shared mission, not merely recognition.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I understand that previous ordination does not automatically grant public ministry within the Mission.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I am willing to be received slowly and carefully.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I am willing to provide documentation, references, safeguarding evidence, and explanations of past ministry.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I will not conceal negative history from a previous jurisdiction.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I can accept temporary restriction, observation, mentoring, or limited ministry.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I will not use the Mission to escape unresolved accountability elsewhere.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I am willing to serve within the Mission’s ethos, discipline, governance, and safeguarding expectations.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

Section 6: Behavioural Evidence

Unless stated otherwise, answer with reference to the past three years.

Communication and reliability

How often have the following happened? Choose: Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, or Very often.

I failed to respond to important emails or messages within a reasonable time.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I missed an appointment, meeting, or commitment without advance notice.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I agreed to do something and then did not follow through.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I needed repeated reminders before completing a task.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I avoided replying because I felt embarrassed, anxious, annoyed, or defensive.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I informed someone early when I could not meet a commitment.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I corrected a misunderstanding rather than allowing others to assume something false.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I kept records of important ministry, safeguarding, or administrative communication.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

Give one example of a commitment you failed to keep and explain how you handled it.

Give one example of a time when you communicated early and responsibly about a problem.

Honesty and self-presentation

For each statement, choose Yes, No, or I am unsure.

Claimed or implied an ordination, title, qualification, office, membership, or authorisation that was not formally granted.

Yes

No

I am unsure

Continued using a title, style, or ministry description after being told not to use it.

Yes

No

I am unsure

Allowed people to believe you had authority or recognition that you did not have.

Yes

No

I am unsure

Failed to disclose important information when applying for ministry, ordination, incardination, employment, or voluntary work.

Yes

No

I am unsure

Presented yourself as being in good standing when your status was restricted, disputed, unclear, or withdrawn.

Yes

No

I am unsure

Used another person’s name, reputation, apostolic succession, title, or endorsement without clear permission.

Yes

No

I am unsure

Publicly announced ministry status before it had been formally authorised.

Yes

No

I am unsure

If you answered yes or unsure to any item in 6.4, explain fully.

Conflict behaviour

How often have the following happened? Choose: Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, or Very often.

I blamed others before considering my own responsibility.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I became defensive when corrected.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I withdrew, ignored messages, or disappeared during conflict.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I spoke negatively about someone publicly rather than addressing the matter properly.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I used private information in a dispute.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I apologised clearly without excuses.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I repaired harm after conflict.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I asked for mediation, supervision, or advice when a conflict became difficult.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

Describe a recent conflict and what your behaviour showed about your maturity.

Authority and obedience

How often have the following happened? Choose: Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, or Very often.

I acted before receiving proper permission.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I assumed silence meant approval.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I ignored a boundary, instruction, or limitation because I disagreed with it.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I sought another authority figure after receiving an answer I disliked.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I accepted a decision that disappointed me without retaliating or withdrawing.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I asked for clarification before acting in a grey area.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I kept ministry leaders informed about relevant matters.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

I submitted to a process even when it was slower than I wanted.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

Describe a time when you were told ‘no’ or ‘not yet’ in ministry. How did you respond?

Online and public behaviour

For each statement, choose Yes, No, or I am unsure.

Posted angry, mocking, or contemptuous comments about a church, bishop, priest, minister, candidate, parishioner, or former community.

Yes

No

I am unsure

Shared private messages, emails, or screenshots publicly during a dispute.

Yes

No

I am unsure

Used social media to pressure someone into responding to you.

Yes

No

I am unsure

Publicly implied misconduct by someone without following a proper process.

Yes

No

I am unsure

Presented yourself online as authorised for ministry when that authorisation was unclear.

Yes

No

I am unsure

Used public posts to seek sympathy while leaving out your own role in a conflict.

Yes

No

I am unsure

Created or joined online groups mainly to criticise former churches, leaders, or ministers.

Yes

No

I am unsure

If you answered yes or unsure to any item in 6.10, explain fully.

Financial and practical behaviour

For each statement, choose Yes, No, or I am unsure.

Accepted money, gifts, or support in a ministry context without clear boundaries.

Yes

No

I am unsure

Mixed personal finances with ministry finances.

Yes

No

I am unsure

Promised spiritual, sacramental, pastoral, or church benefits in exchange for money.

Yes

No

I am unsure

Failed to account properly for funds entrusted to you.

Yes

No

I am unsure

Put pressure on vulnerable people to support you financially.

Yes

No

I am unsure

Presented voluntary support as if it were required.

Yes

No

I am unsure

Left a church, ministry, or organisation with unresolved financial questions.

Yes

No

I am unsure

If you answered yes or unsure to any item in 6.12, explain fully.

Section 7: Safeguarding and Boundaries

Please answer carefully and in sufficient detail.

In your own words, what does safeguarding mean in Christian ministry?

What boundaries must exist between a minister and a person receiving pastoral care?

Have you ever been subject to a safeguarding complaint, disciplinary process, criminal investigation, civil protection order, workplace conduct process, or formal complaint involving children, vulnerable adults, pastoral care, harassment, abuse, bullying, exploitation, sexual conduct, financial conduct, or misuse of authority?

Yes

No

If yes, explain fully.

Have you ever been told to stop contacting someone, to avoid a person or place, or to observe a no-contact boundary?

Yes

No

If yes, explain fully.

Please respond to each statement

Choose: Strongly disagree, Disagree, Not sure, Agree, or Strongly agree.

Safeguarding is a central part of faithful ministry.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

A minister must never use spiritual authority to pressure, manipulate, silence, or control another person.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

Pastoral care requires emotional, physical, sexual, financial, digital, and spiritual boundaries.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

Confidentiality has limits where there is risk of harm or safeguarding concern.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I would seek advice rather than handle a serious safeguarding matter alone.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I would follow the Mission’s safeguarding policy even if doing so was personally uncomfortable.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I understand that the seal of confession is not treated as absolute by the Mission where safeguarding is concerned.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I would not enter a romantic, sexual, financial, or exploitative relationship with someone under my pastoral care.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I would not offer private counselling, deliverance, spiritual direction, or pastoral dependency beyond my competence or authorisation.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I would not meet privately with a child, young person, or vulnerable adult in a way that breaches safeguarding policy.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

Scenario: A young person tells you privately that they are being harmed at home and begs you not to tell anyone. What do you do?

Scenario: A person receiving pastoral care begins sending frequent emotional messages late at night and says you are the only person who understands them. What do you do?

Scenario: Someone confesses something that suggests a child, vulnerable adult, or other person may be at risk. What do you do?

Scenario: A person under your pastoral care offers you an expensive gift or asks for a private arrangement involving money. What do you do?

Scenario: You feel emotionally drawn to someone who comes to you for pastoral care. What do you do?

Section 8: Inclusion, Dignity, and the Mission’s Ethos

Please answer openly. Inclusion is part of the Mission’s ecclesial identity, not merely a general statement of courtesy.

What does ‘Christ at the Centre. Everyone at the Table.’ mean to you?

Are there any aspects of the Mission’s inclusive ethos that you find difficult, unresolved, or unclear?

Please respond to each statement

Choose: Strongly disagree, Disagree, Not sure, Agree, or Strongly agree.

I can serve respectfully within a Church that fully affirms the dignity of women in ministry.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I can serve respectfully within a Church that fully welcomes and affirms LGBTQI+ people.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I understand that inclusion is not merely politeness, but part of the Mission’s ecclesial identity.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I will not use preaching, teaching, pastoral care, counselling, confession, or spiritual direction to shame or exclude people.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I can minister to people whose lives, backgrounds, relationships, and experiences differ from mine.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I can uphold the Mission’s ethos even when speaking with people who disagree with it.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I will not undermine the Mission’s inclusive ethos privately while appearing to accept it publicly.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

Section 9: Practical Ministry Realism

Please answer realistically, with reference to your present circumstances.

What do you believe daily ministry actually involves?

How do you understand self-supporting ministry?

What practical limits currently affect your ability to study, serve, travel, communicate, or minister?

Please respond to each statement

Choose: Strongly disagree, Disagree, Not sure, Agree, or Strongly agree.

I understand that ministry may not provide income.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I do not expect the Mission to provide salary, stipend, travel, vestments, equipment, software, or other expenses unless agreed in writing.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I am willing to serve faithfully even when ministry is small, hidden, local, or slow to grow.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I understand that poor communication, repeated missed deadlines, or lack of follow-through may affect my progression.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I can manage ordinary administrative responsibilities without treating them as beneath me.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

I understand that public ministry requires preparation, accountability, and permission.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Not sure

Agree

Strongly agree

Section 10: Reflection Declaration, and Privacy

Please take your time to answer these questions fully.

Short, incomplete, indecisive or "robotic" responses will likely result in your form being discarded.

What do you most hope the Mission will see in you?

What concerns do you think the Mission might reasonably have about your enquiry?

What would need to change in you before the Mission could safely trust you with public ministry?

Is there anything else the Mission should know before considering your enquiry?

Declaration, and Privacy

Your information will be used for discernment, safeguarding, and administration. It will be handled with care, but absolute confidentiality cannot be promised where safeguarding, legal duties, or responsible church governance requires disclosure or consultation. Please read the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission Privacy Policy.

Declaration of honesty

I confirm that my answers are truthful and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Declaration of disclosure

I understand that withholding relevant information may lead to refusal, removal, restriction, or termination of formation or ministry authorisation.

Declaration of process

I understand that this questionnaire is part of a wider discernment process and does not guarantee acceptance, ordination, licensing, incardination, reception, appointment, faculties, title, or public ministry.

Declaration of safeguarding and conduct

I understand that safeguarding, accountability, appropriate boundaries, honesty, and communication are essential requirements for ministry within the Mission.

Declaration of ethos

I understand that the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission is an inclusive mission and that I must be willing to serve within its ethos, discipline, and governance.

Declaration of stage

I understand that this is Step 1, not the Step 2 application, and that Step 2 is available only by invitation.

Privacy consent

I consent to the use of my information for discernment, safeguarding, and administration in accordance with the Mission’s Privacy Policy.

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