Our Schools
The Diocese of Oklahoma Schools for Ministry seeks to cultivate leaders and support strong and thriving congregations throughout the diocese.
The Schools for Ministry began with the formation of the Iona School, in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and eventually the Iona Collaborative at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. Since it’s beginnings the Iona School of Formation over 50 locally-formed deacons and priests have graduated and serve across the diocese in numerous capacities.
The Schools of Ministry expanded in 2021 with the addition of the School of Spiritual Direction with the goal of forming leaders to enrich the spiritual lives of members across the diocese. In addition, the School of Spiritual Direction provides the Retreat in Daily Life program which has served over 150 people since 2021.
In 2024, the Diocese of Oklahoma launched the School of Discipleship with the purpose to equip and support the ministry of all the baptized. The School of Discipleship is rooted in our understanding of congregational vitality and provides training for all those who desire to deepen their faith and use their gifts for ministry in the world.
The Schools for Ministry is under the direction of Kate Carney Bond, the Director of Formation and Discipleship. It is supported by the Ministry Partners Team at the Diocese of Oklahoma.
Iona School of Formation
If you have any questions, or would like to know more about our Iona School of Formation, please contact the school’s dean, the Rev. Dion Crider at dcrider@epiok.org.
The Iona School of Formation equips individuals called to serve in the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma as deacons or bi-vocational priests. This comprehensive program provides rigorous training in essential areas including Biblical Studies, Church History, Theology, and Ethics, ensuring graduates meet all canonical requirements for ordained ministry.
Beyond academics, Iona fosters practical ministry skills through courses including pastoral care, preaching, congregational development, and worship leadership. Since its launch in 2011, over 48 graduates have transitioned into active ministry roles, contributing significantly to the diocese.
School of Spiritual Direction
If you have any questions, or would like to know more about our School of Spiritual Direction, please contact the school’s dean, the Rev. Susan Joplin at sjoplin@epiok.org.
The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma’s School of Spiritual Direction is a diocesan school committed to raising up individuals discerning a call to become spiritual directors. The two-year program includes four terms. Students meet in monthly sessions, in person, from September thru May. After finishing the program, students will earn a proof of completion from the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma. Requirements to be considered for the program include meeting regularly with a Spiritual Director and previous experience in prayer disciplines. It is highly recommended that those interested in applying have completed an 8-month Ignatian Exercises group, and have experience with Daily Lectio/Centering prayer discipline based on Sacred Space or the Book of Common Prayer.
School of Discipleship
If you have any questions, or would like to know more about the School of Discipleship, please contact Kate Carney Bond at kbond@epiok.org.
The School of Discipleship in the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma seeks to support the ministry of all the baptized by offering opportunities for discernment, formation, and encouragement for the ways in which God calls each of us into ministry.
There are two types of opportunities for engaging in discipleship:
On-going formal training and formation for those interested in deepening their faith, engaging discernment, and equip individuals for lay orders of ministry.
Rotating and ad hoc programming intending to resource all the baptized, lay and ordained, for ministry in the world.
We are the Episcopal Church in Oklahoma.