West Coast Collaborative
What is the West Coast Collaborative?
The Diocese of El Camino Real School for Ministry is now in partnership with the dioceses of Northern California and San Diego in order to train people for ordained and lay ministries for our three dioceses.
What does the WCC currently offer?
- Two-year Deacon formation for our postulants in the ordination process.
- One-year training to prepare members of our congregations for a Lay Preaching license.
- Cohorts in both English and Spanish
- Online instruction that is low-cost, flexible for working people and designed to meet the needs of adult learners of all ages and educational backgrounds
What is the WCC doing in 2023?
We began the year by graduating our first class of Lay Preachers (you may have heard them in your congregations already!). Then we launched our first Deacon cohort as well as our second class of Lay Preaching cohorts for both English and Spanish speakers.
What if I am interested in being a WCC student?
We seek individuals who are actively involved in ministry in their congregations and demonstrate gifts in leadership. Talk with your rector/vicar/priest in charge about your interest in either lay or ordained ministry. Your clergy can help you discern whether you might want to pursue licensed lay ministry training or inquire further with the Commission on Ministry about the discernment process to become a Deacon.
When are admissions for the WCC ?
Our academic year runs February - December. The Lay Preaching cohorts accept applications beginning in October. Students in the Deacon formation program are admitted by their diocesan Commission on Ministry.
What’s next for the WCC?
This is an exciting and evolving frontier of our mission to shape new leaders, lay and ordained, from the full diversity and gifts of our dioceses to meet the challenges of our evolving church and the ministry needs of our unique contexts. Watch www.realepiscopal.org for all the exciting developments for local formation here on the west coast.
More Questions about the WCC?
Contact The Rev. Katherine B. Doar, WCC Dean for the Diocese of El Camino Real at [email protected].
Lay Preaching Course Application Open for 2025 English Language Cohort
Dean of the School for Ministry
