Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Spring 2014 Issue | Page 16

The Young Priest Initiative
Hands-On Discernment and Formation
Ed Keithly

Youth and Young Adult Formation

In the last five years, the Diocese and the wider Episcopal
Church have seen a major increase in the number of young
clergy. According to a 2012 Church Pension Group report,
from 2000-2008, the percentage of 25-35 year-old clergy
ordained was just 19 percent of the total clergy ordained.
In 2009-2011, the percentage of young clergy ordained
jumped to 28 percent, an upward trend that continues today,
enriching and enlivening the Episcopal Church.

In the Diocese of Virginia, the trend continues largely
thanks to the Young Priest Initiative (YPI), the vehicle for
recruiting and supporting Virginia’s young leaders. For
college-age and recently graduated Episcopalians, YPI offers
hands-on learning through an internship in the Church, and
backs that up with a community of colleagues and Church
leaders who help interns process the experience and discern
the intern’s particular call to ministry – whether that is as a
lay leader or clergy.

For all leaders in the Church, but particularly for young
adults, discernment through immersion in parish life and
outreach is crucial. Here are three short stories of Virginia’s
young leaders discerning through their YPI internships.
Connor Gwin

Connor Gwin took on his field
discernment at Grace and Holy Trinity,
Richmond. “From the clergy to the lay
people, every person worked hard to
make sure I got the most out of my time
there,” said Gwin.

During his time at the church,
Gwin worked with the staff to research and gather
information about their young adult members and the future
of Z\