Unlike some other Protestant denominations or the Roman Catholic Church, priests, and to a lesser extent deacons, are more like “free agents.”  While the bishop of a diocese must approve all clergy moving into his or her diocese, a priest is free to discern or investigate a call (possible ministry position) in any diocese.  While there are several different categories of “call” such as priest-in-charge, interim, and vicar, the two main types of call are as either a rector or an assistant, the latter of which might also be called an associate or a curate.

Once a priest has been called as rector (head pastor) by a church, and that call has been confirmed by the bishop, he or she serves with “tenure,” i.e. indefinitely.  A church cannot “fire” a rector.  Only the bishop can remove a rector, and the circumstances under which this is permissible are strictly defined by church law (also known as “canon law” or “the canons”).  Most of the time, a rector serves for several years before choosing to move on to another parish or eventually retiring.  Some rectors stay for five years or even less, others for as long as 30, though such long tenures are not very common any more. 

If the priest is called as an associate or assistant—serving alongside a rector—it is generally understood that that priest serves “at the pleasure of the rector”.  This means that in some dioceses, it is commonly expected that when a rector resigns, the assisting clergy will also tender their resignations.  Some “long term” associates, however, can serve during the tenure of more than one rector.  Many dioceses make provision for associates to have a letter of agreement, or contract, that defines the minimum term of service, thus providing a measure of job security for the assistant.  When the contract expires, the assistant generally serves by mutual consent with the rector, though the rector has the right to dismiss an assistant at any time.

Deacons are a bit different.  Deacons and bishops have historically had a very close relationship and to this day deacons are largely directly accountable to their bishops.  This includes where they may be called to serve.  Those who are ordained to the Transitional Diaconate will often be assigned to a church by their bishop in their first position after graduating from seminary.  If there are no positions open in the diocese in which the Transitional Deacon is being ordained, the bishop will release her or him granting the Transitional Deacon “free agent” status and the ability to seek a call wherever that person would like.  Those ordained to the Diaconate (those deacons who will not be ordained to the priesthood) are generally sent to a parish, chaplaincy, or other outreach ministry by the bishop and are moved around depending on the needs of the diocese and the gifts and interests of the deacon.

As you can see, there are many options when seeking a call in the Episcopal Church.  The national church and each diocese has a deployment office responsible for helping clergy find the right call, and assist clergy during transitions.