Alternative Selection Pathway

ReNew Alternative Selection Panels

ReNew is offering Alternative Selection Panels for anyone from a ReNew church recommended by their church leadership considering full-time or part-time set apart gospel ministry, but who cannot in conscience follow the pathways within the CofE at present. 

All panels will be chaired by a bishop preferably and include ReNew clergy, women in ministry, and other lay leaders.  One of the main purposes of the panel will be to advise orthodox Anglican Bishops as to a candidate’s suitability for ordination.  The panel will also be able to advise more broadly on a candidate’s suitability for formally ‘commissioned’ Anglican ministry as well as for any further training required.

There have been two successful alternative selection panels held so far (in January 2024 and June 2025 in London).  There is another panel set up for Wednesday 18th March 2026 in London with space for one or two more candidates.  These panels have to date been chaired by +Rod Thomas.  ReNew will offer further panels across the country as demand dictates – panels can be arranged as soon as we have a couple of people interested.

Who is it for?

  1. At this stage, candidates are being sought only from ReNew churches, or from individuals who previously attended a ReNew church.
  2. Candidates for Anglican ministry who are doing or have completed seminary level training. 

The process

  1. Completion of paperwork – a report provided by the senior minister and church wardens of the candidate’s church; two references from other senior members of the candidate’s church who know the candidate well (at least one of these should be a woman); an in depth application form filled in by the candidate.
  2. The panel itself will consist of a full day of interviews – a theological interview, a pastoral interview (including time spent analysing a pastoral case study) and a personal interview which will explore character and godliness.  Each interview will have two panel members, usually a man and a woman where possible.
  3. The panel will then provide to each candidate a written response of either ‘recommended’ or ‘not currently recommended’ as suitable for ordained or formally ‘commissioned’ Anglican ministry.  This would constitute advice for an orthodox Anglican Bishop subsequently considering the candidate’s suitability for ordination, and/or for a local Anglican church considering their suitability for formal ministry.  The panel will also offer guidance as to what, if any, further training ought to be completed before ordination if that is the desired outcome.

Partnerships

This process and panel are being run in close consultation with CEEC, who are aware and supportive.

Possible outcomes

ReNew selection panels will at the very least provide robust and meaningful guidance for any ministry or organisation wishing to consider a candidate’s suitability for ordained or publicly commissioned Anglican ministry.  There is now a clear pathway right up to and including ordination as ‘missionary clergy’ by REACH South Africa, an Anglican province whose orders can be recognised within the CofE (although there is no guarantee of this).

In the case that in the long term there is no suitable provision for selection and ordained ministry within the CofE, a recommended candidate from this process would still have external accreditation that should carry weight both within ReNew churches and if seeking ministry opportunities beyond the CofE (e.g. in an unrecognised CEEC ‘province’).

How to apply:

Please contact [email protected] with any questions or to request the paperwork to apply for the panel.

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