High Desert School for Ministry

Empowering your call within your community - A Diocese of Idaho & Eastern Oregon Initiative

If You Are Called, You Will Be Equipped!

Find new ways to explore your call and celebrate your ministry.

We are here to support your response to God's call.

We are here to walk with you. Go and do where God leads you.

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Process of Discernment and Response to God's Call!

If you are wondering whether you are called to serve God and people in ordained ministry or otherwise, take these four Ds seriously. Discern the call in prayer and meditation. Discuss your call with wise men and women in the process of discernment. Decide what you will do after these two personal actions. Once convinced of the call Depart and follow Jesus! Click here to contact a person to help you begin the journey.

God may be calling you.

Ask the Lord in prayer

Spend time in silence

Read the Scriptures

Talk to wise people

Your Spouse / Partner

Your Clergy / Senior Warden

Your Friends

It's time to take action

Talk with the clergy

Schedule a visit with the Bishop

Meet with COM

Walk towards the call

Enroll in studies

Participate in group activities

Complete courses on time

High Desert School for Ministry

A partner in the IONA Collaborative

The High Desert School of Ministry is a local three-year program of formation for ordained ministry--diaconate or priesthood.


HDSM is a partnership between the dioceses of Eastern Oregon and Idaho. The partnership is a part of the Iona Collaborative, which is a local formation program developed out of the Seminary of the Southwest. Iona originated as a formation program out of the Diocese of Texas.


The curriculum for HDSM includes extensive academic modules on Holy Scriptures, Church History, Theology, Ethics, Anglican Studies, Liturgics, and Practice of Ministry. Additionally, modules will be taught in missiology, homiletics, multiculturalism, congregational life, spiritual practices and pastoral care.


Video instruction is provided by professors from Seminary of the Southwest (Austin, TX), with mentors/teachers facilitating classroom discussion and reflection. Students will have reading, writing, and viewing assignments to complete each month.


The class for HDSM begins in the fall of each year.


HDSM weekends are held nine times per year, usually once per month, at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Twin Falls

In order to enroll in this program, the student must be in the ordination process in either the Diocese of Eastern Oregon, or Idaho. The student must have the approval of both the Commission on Ministry in his/her diocese, and the Diocesan Bishop. 


The cost of the program is $2,100/ year. 


The fee covers:

  • Tuition
  • Meals, Snacks, and Coffee while in session


Students should estimate the following additional expenses each year:

  • $  175       Books and materials
  • Travel expenses (depending on distance)


Bearing the cost of this education is a shared endeavor between the student and his/her congregation. It is expected that congregations will contribute significantly toward this education, and that students will solicit additional funding from their sources. Scholarships are available through the diocese. Please reach out to office@episcopalidaho.org for more information.


In order to enroll in the High Desert School of Ministry, students must be in the ordination process in their respective dioceses. Students must have the endorsement of their Commission on Ministry and their bishop. Students must complete the application process.


Application Instructions:


  • Download the complete HDSM application
  • Complete application, and obtain signatures of COM chair and Bishop.
  • Complete Essay questions
  •  Send completed application, essays, photocopy of transcripts and spiritual autobiography to:


The Rev. Holladay Sanderson

HDSM

Episcopal Diocese of Idaho

1858 W Judith Lane

Boise, ID 83705

revsanderson@gmail.com 


Are You Called To Serve?

When God calls you, God will equip you to fulfill the call. Regardless of your upbringing or background, when God calls, God will find a way to support you. Your responsibility to say YES when God calls, just like Samuel does.


For each one of us, there is only one thing necessary: to fulfill our own destiny, according to God's will, to be what God wants us to be.”― Thomas Merton, 

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