The Ordinands'
Programme

The Ordinands' Programme is the Diocese of False Bay's pathway for men and women who have been selected for ordination training following a period of discernment in the Fellowship of Vocation. It encompasses the full journey from selection through theological formation to ordination as deacon and — in most cases — as priest in the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.

Ordinands are sponsored by the Diocese and placed at an accredited theological college — primarily the College of the Transfiguration (CoTT) in Grahamstown — where they undertake full-time residential training. They remain under the pastoral care and oversight of the Bishop of False Bay throughout their training, maintaining a close connection with their home diocese and, where possible, their home parish.

The programme combines rigorous academic theological study with deep spiritual formation and practical ministerial experience, preparing ordinands not only to know the faith but to live it, preach it, and serve it in the full complexity of parish and community life in Southern Africa.

The curriculum at CoTT is shaped around the conviction that ordained ministry requires the integration of head, heart, and hands — that theological knowledge, spiritual depth, and practical competence must grow together.

The pathway to ordination in the Diocese of False Bay is deliberate and carefully paced. It begins long before a person arrives at theological college and continues well beyond their graduation. Each step is accompanied by the Diocese, the candidate's parish, and their spiritual director.

The Diocese of False Bay takes seriously its responsibility to the men and women it sponsors for ordination. Being sent to train for ministry is a significant commitment — for the ordinand and for the Church — and the Diocese accompanies its ordinands throughout.

• The Diocese provides financial sponsorship towards college fees, accommodation, and study costs — no ordinand is turned away on financial grounds alone
• Each ordinand is visited by the Bishop or his representative at college at least once a year, and remains in regular contact with the Diocesan office
• Ordinands return to the Diocese during college vacations for placement, formation weekends, and to maintain their connection with parish life
• A spiritual director is maintained throughout training — the same director from the FOV period, where possible, to ensure continuity of accompaniment
• The Diocese works with the ordinand to identify a title parish — the parish in which they will serve as a newly ordained deacon — well before ordination
• Ordinands are supported pastorally if they encounter difficulties in training, face family challenges, or need to take a period of leave from college