How to Become a Bishop

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: April 11, 2021 References

The role of a bishop is to serve and oversee local priests and parishes. The journey to becoming a bishop is long and has no guarantees. There are many priests but only a few bishop positions available. However, pursuing holy character and working as a priest are commendable achievements in themselves. If you feel spiritually and religiously called to this path, here's what you should know.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:
Meeting the Requirements

1
Complete a theology degree. All denominations require bishops to have a theology degree. This can be completed at a university, college, or specialist bible college. Ask your priest or church leader to help you choose a university. This will help you to pick a university that is esteemed by the church.^{[1]
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- Theological studies involve studying the Bible, church history, and philosophy.
- A theology degree normally takes 4 years.
2
Attend a seminary for 4 - 5 years. A seminary is a training college for priests, rabbis, and ministers. Your church will most likely be connected to a particular seminary. Ask your priest to suggest a seminary that will prepare you for becoming a bishop.^{[2]
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- Contact your preferred seminary to find out their application process.
- Each seminary is slightly different, but most focus on liturgy, biblical studies, and learning practical ministry skills.
- While you are at seminary, try to stay involved with your local church. This will make it easier to reconnect with the priest when you come back from seminary.
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3
Serve the current priest as a deacon. When you arrive back from seminary ask the priest at your home church if you can assist him as a deacon. A deacon can baptise people, perform marriage and funeral ceremonies, distribute communion and preach. These tasks help you to become familiar with the work that a priest carries out. If the priest is happy with your work, after 1 year he will recommend you as a candidate to become a priest.^{[3]
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- It is important to form a good relationship with the priest as they have a significant role in determining if you will be ordained as a priest. Do your best to support his mission initiatives and grow the size of your congregation.
4
Work as an ordained priest. Once you have been nominated as a priest candidate, you will be knighted by the local bishop. As an ordained priest, you will be given a local parish to look after. Carry out your work as a priest to the best of your ability. This is what will help you to stand out as a bishop candidate.^{[4]
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- Do your best to build a strong relationship with the local bishop. This is important, as he will be watching the priests to determine which one he will eventually nominate as a bishop.
5
Wait until a bishop position opens. A bishop position will not open until the current bishop reaches 75, becomes very ill, or dies. Once there is a bishop position available, the local bishops will nominate priests to become the new bishop. These names are given to the archbishop who reviews the nominations and then organises a vote to be carried out. A list of the candidates who received the most votes is given to the pope who will make the final decision.^{[5]
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- It often takes a number of years before a new bishop position opens.
6
Accept the bishop position if you are chosen. If the pope chooses you to take the bishop position, you will receive a formal letter of offer. Once you accept the offer, there will be a formal ceremony where you will be ordained as a bishop.^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:
Cultivating the Right Traits

1
Show compassion and kindness to the poor. Solidarity with the poor is a core message of the gospel and an expected way of life for potential bishops. Consider how you could show kindness and practical help to those struggling in your community. You could help at a local food-bank, homeless shelter, or a similar organisation.^{[7]
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- If you need some inspiration, read biographies of people that have worked with the needy.
2
Live simply and avoid extravagant spending. It is desirable for a bishop to be living amongst those they serve. In order to have compassion for others, it often helps to experience life in their shoes. Avoid living in a luxurious house or driving an expensive car.
- Consider taking a trip to a third world country. This may help to inspire you to live simply and increase your compassion for the poor.
3
Remain celibate. It is a prerequisite that bishops must not marry or be sexually active. This vow to celibacy is made publicly and must be adhered to for life. This practice was created so that a bishop could show God's love for all people, without the restraints that come from having a family.^{[8]
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- This is a big decision to make and should be given significant thought before pursuing a career as a priest or bishop.
4
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills. According to the bible, a bishop should demonstrate a multitude of interpersonal skills. A bishop should be exemplary in hospitality, self-control, kindness, and generosity. In addition to this, bishops should avoid drunkenness, displays of anger, and arrogance.^{[9]
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- Ask a priest or spiritual leader to mentor you if you think you are lacking any of these skills.
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Community Q&A

Question

Is it possible to be an evangelist without a school certificate?

Community Answer

Yes. Jesus did not have a school certificate. He told us to go into the world and preach the gospel. You need to be born again; how can you preach if you have not been sent? You can't be sent if you haven't accepted Jesus as your savior.
Question

Where do the bishops get appointed, and how?

Community Answer

You have to wait for a bishop in your area to die or retire. The ambassador for your country, the apostolic nuncio, will pick 3 potential candidates from your area and run interviews. He will select 1 person and send their application to the Vatican for the council of cardinals to review. If the cardinals approve, the application goes to the pope, who will make the final decision.
Question

It says above that a bishop should not get married. But the Anglican bishop in Kimberley, South Africa is married. Is there an exception?

Community Answer

If someone gets married before joining the clergy, that is acceptable. He was likely married before he joined the clergy.
Question

I am a prophet––recently I had a voice in my dreaming that I am now a bishop, so what should I do? Does it means that I should go to seminary or what?

Faith

Community Answer

Make sure that it is actually revelation from God and not from a deceiving angel. Talk to your priest to discern whether you are called to be a priest. If you are then good for you! But do not be discontent if you do not become a bishop because few priests do.
Question

Who pays for the Bishop's travel expenses?

Badhger Gaming

Community Answer

A portion of the donations from the church pays for the Bishop's travel. Or, the church will have a budget from some other source.
Question

Can someone be a minister of a different religion and Catholic at the same time?

Community Answer

No. Catholics believe that Catholicism is the one true religion, and that there is no god but God.
Question

What is the possibility of Catholic priest getting married in near future, without compromising his priestly duties?

Jrgerard

Community Answer

The chances are low to zero. Catholic priests when ordained as a priest vow to give their life to the church and not a single individual, thus they will not get married. If you are already married and want to join the church, you can become a deacon.
Question

Can I join a seminary after university?

VY

Community Answer

Yes, you can. Mostly, there's no maximum age limit. You can ask your church for their requirements. Your education will help you further.
Question

Does a priest have to attend a seminar before he is ordained a Bishop?

Community Answer

Usually, you go to seminary. Then when you get out, you become a deacon for at least 6 months. After 6 months, the church makes you a priest. From there, you are a priest for a while and you talk to your bishop about becoming a bishop.