In the Episcopal Church, bishops, priests, and deacons are ordained to special ministries within the community of ministers which is the Church.  All people in the Church are called to ministry both in the Church and in the world, and God equips every person with unique gifts for ministry.  However, due to the uniqueness and significance within the community of the ministries of bishops, priests, and deacons, special ordination is required for these ministries.  Before ordination, these ministers must undergo a lengthy process of discernment, preparation, study, and training.
 
It is impossible for someone to be ordained without the prayerful support of the community at every level, from lay people and other clergy and the bishop.  This reinforces our conviction that ordained ministry is a specific type of ministry that, while special, makes no sense outside of the rest of the community's prayers, worship, service, and various types of ministry.  The sacrament of ordination, which takes place in a worship service with bishops, clergy, and lay people present, is an outward and visible sign of the inward and spiritual grace that is happening not only within the person being ordained, but within the entire community of the Church as we raise up leaders, teachers, and pastors.