Licentiate in Diaconal Ministry (LDM)

What it is

The comprehensive formation track for Postulants seeking ordination to the Diaconate in the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission (AOCM). It is a robust program designed to ensure that those entering ministry for the first time are fully grounded in the Independent Sacramental / Old Catholic tradition and our specific ethos. This pathway combines external academic study with internal spiritual and theological formation, moving the student from “random devotion” to a life of “ordered discipline”.

Who it’s for

This course is for Postulants (New Vocations)—those entering ministry for the first time. It is specifically designed for candidates discerning a vocation to the Order of Deacons.

How you will learn

Your formation is structured into four distinct “Streams” to ensure a holistic approach to ministry.

You will engage with a hybrid curriculum that includes:

• External Modules: High-quality courses hosted by the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) and the Inclusive Catholic Church (ICC), covering a number of subjects, like Biblical history, communication, and ethics.
• Internal Modules: AOCM-specific training on Ecclesiology, the “Open Table,” Clergy Ethics, and Liturgical Rites.
• Practical Application: You will complete practical tasks such as drafting a “Rule of Life,” recording a video practicum of the Liturgy of the Word, and writing theological essays.
• Mentorship & Review: The course includes oral reviews (viva voce) and mentorship to discuss the integration of theology and practice.

Difficulty level

Vocational / Comprehensive

How long it will take

Approximately 180 hours of study and practice. This includes time for reading core texts, completing external CLI and ICC modules, internal reflection, practical liturgical rehearsals, and the final comprehensive review. As this course is self-paced, the total time will vary from person to person based on prior learning and schedule.

Formation Hours and CPD/CEU (what this means)

We estimate this course at 180 Formation Hours (approximately 180 hours of structured learning). Most learners should take about 180 hours to prepare, pray, work through the material, take notes, review any media, revise their notes, and complete quizzes and assessments. This course is self-paced, so the total time will vary from person to person.

Formation Hours are our way of describing the time you spend in organised study, reflection, and assessment as part of ministerial formation. In many settings, the same idea is described as CPD (Continuing Professional Development) or CEUs (Continuing Education Units). In church life you may also hear phrases like continuing formation, ongoing ministerial development, or in-service training.

Put simply: these are documented learning hours completed after you begin ministry (or during preparation for ministry), so you remain competent, accountable, and safe in your practice — especially in areas like safeguarding.

We are not an accredited CPD/CEU provider. However, some learners may still be able to log their Formation Hours with their church body, employer, or professional association where they require an annual development record. If you plan to record the hours, please check what your body accepts and what evidence they require.

On completion, you will receive a certificate with a unique verification number, which you can use as supporting evidence where a learning log is required.

Important Notice: Course Completion vs. Ordination

Please be aware that successful completion of the Licentiate in Diaconal Ministry (LDM) does not guarantee Ordination within the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission. While completing this formation pathway is a mandatory requirement for Postulants, ordination is a sacramental act discerned by the Church, not a degree earned by the student. The decision to proceed to ordination involves a holistic review of your spiritual maturity, background checks, psychological stability, and the unanimous consent of the Mission Council. Academic success in this module is a prerequisite, not a promise of Holy Orders.

Third-Party Content & Theological Disclaimer (Non-Sacramental Tradition Content)

This course utilizes external modules hosted by Christian Leaders Institute (CLI), which generally operates from a Protestant/Evangelical perspective. While the content regarding Biblical history and leadership is excellent and required, the theology may differ from the AOCM.

• Sacraments: They may refer to ‘ordinances’; we hold to the 7 Sacraments.
• Inclusion: They may hold traditionalist views; we affirm Marriage Equality and LGBTQ+ Ordination.
• Ecclesiology: They may focus on congregational governance; we are Episcopal and Synodal.

You must read these courses through the “AOCM Lens”—“Take the meat, spit out the bones”. Where their teaching conflicts with AOCM Ecclesiology & Doctrine, the AOCM documents always take precedence.

Important Reminder

By accessing this course, you agree to our Terms & Conditions, including the “Learning and courses” and “Academic Integrity (Cheating & Plagiarism) Policy” sections.

Course Copyright Notice

All internal course content provided through the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission Learning platform (including text, lesson pages, and templates) is protected by copyright and remains the intellectual property of the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission. However, this course references materials owned by third parties (specifically Christian Leaders Institute and the Inclusive Catholic Church). We do not claim ownership of these external texts, and they remain the copyright of their respective owners.