Anglican Seminary of Virginia (ASV)

esse quam videri
-To be truth, rather than to seem

The Seminarian’s Pledge

I shall, as His servant,

+Bear the Cross in service to Him on earth
+Spread the saving grace of the Gospel unto the nations
+Strive to follow the teaching of Christ in each moment of my life
+Work to realize the potential which lies within me by study and prayer
+Bring healing to the souls whom God places in my pastoral care
+Live the motto of the Seminary, and
+Pray incessantly for the Presence of the Holy Ghost, knowing that I am      
powerless with Him. Amen


General Information

The goal of the Anglican Seminary of Virginia (ASV) is to prepare men for ministry in the Anglican Church.
Seminary education focuses on Anglican faith and orthodoxy of the primitive and traditional church as defined in
the American 1928 Book of Common Prayer. Studies for religious workers and laymen(male and female) are
also offered.

ASV utilizes three educational modes for delivery of education and training. The first is traditional instruction,
second cooperative education and third the “reading for orders,” (1) or as called today “apprenticeship.”  ASV
offers studies on campus, off campus and distance learning studies.

Accreditation
ASV is a magisterium seminary (2) established and administered by the authority of the Bishop of the Anglican
Church of Virginia. It is certified and accredited by the Diocesan Bishop and the Provincial Commission on
Accreditation.

Studies for the following Diplomas are offered:
  Licentiate in theology
   Bachelor of Arts
 Master of Arts in Religious Studies
   Master of Arts in Ministry
   Master of Divinity
  Doctorate of Ministry
   Doctorate of Divinity

The requirements for the diplomas are given in the Seminary catalogue.  A student must have completed at
least two years of college before beginning the BA studies.

The Learning System Process and Ordination
Quality control of the learning process was built into the program by the Rt. Rev. Larry W. Johnson.  Having
completed a 30-year career in pubic and higher education, the Bishop understands what is important to the
processes and knows what the quality and delivery of an educational program depend upon. This insures that
the ASV program is solid and
has the highest standards. Each student is accountable to the Seminary and to a
tutor/mentor. The most important and final test is the acceptance for ordination of the Candidate. Ordination
may be provided for in the program at the Anglican Seminary of Virginia, for the deaconate and the priesthood.
Before postulants begin their studies they must meet the requirements of postulancy and then must meet the
standards as a candidate for Holy Orders. Once those two requirements have been accomplished, the
candidate can begin the process of becoming a shepherd. At the end of the program at the Anglican Seminary
of Virginia, there will be documented records of the student’s progress as well as reports from the bishop
regarding his qualifications. This is important for bishops who send their men to study at ASV.

The Educational Process
This is an apprenticeship and cooperative education approach. Once the student’s bishop approves the ASV
diploma program that the student has chosen and agrees to serve, or appoints the student’s tutor/mentor, the
student can begin studying. The academic curriculum is shaped to the objectives of the student. The core of the
program begins with the Licentiate in Theology. Additionally, the student must be engaged in ministry throughout
the seminary process. Students can be gainfully employed, probably in a secular job, meaning that throughout
his ministry, he will be as the Apostle Paul – a “tentmaker.”
The pastoral care and counseling program at ASV receives a strong emphasis. Students are provided credit for
their counseling offered as a student and will receive clinical credit hours for approved experience.

Following the completion of seminary studies the student becomes a candidate for Holy Orders. There are two
sets of examinations as a candidate for Holy Orders prior to ordination. First, there are the oral and written
canonical examinations which must be taken before ordination to the deaconate. Tradition requires that a man
be a deacon for at least one year before ordination to the priesthood. If his bishop requires it additional
academic work must be completed. Second, oral and written canonicals are taken by the student prior to being
ordained to the priesthood. Successful completion of these canonicals this finishes the formal educational
process and a date is set for ordination to the priesthood.

Assuring Quality and Standards
Studies and progress are always monitored. The potential ordaining bishop should supervise each step in the
study process. The bishop may recommend specific courses he wants his candidate to take. For men in the
United States who do not have a bishop at the time they begin their studies, the Anglican Bishop of Virginia will
provide supervision and oversight of the learning process.
Potential candidates can review the “Steps for Ordination in the Anglican Church of Virginia” on the Website at
www.theanglicanchurch.net The catalog, which must be ordered, spells out the need for and role of the
tutor/mentor. Students meet with tutors/mentors periodically for classes. This may be weekly, monthly or bi-
monthly, depending upon class load and student’s schedule.

A Proven System of Learning
The system of learning adopted by the Anglican Seminary of Virginia has been proven to be one that succeeds,
providing superior and knowledgeable graduates. It combines the ancient system of reading for orders and
apprenticeship with the contemporary methods of cooperative and on-the-job education. The ASV program is
rigorous and not for the faint of heart or those who are wondering about their place in life. It is for men who have
been called by God and want to give their all to God’s service.

The ASV study program requires a motivated learner. As Anglicans, we believe in the proper preparation of the
clergy. Only a educated priest can withstand the challenges that the church is experiencing today.

See the catalog for detailed information if you are seriously considering preparing to serve Jesus Christ.

On-campus
Each semester is divided into three eight-week periods. Depending upon differing circumstances, the student
travels to Front Royal, Virginia for weekly supervision of a three-hour class. Three or four course may be
covered in these sessions.  There must be as least eight contact hours with a tutor for each course.  A person
whose schedule calls for a once monthly meeting would require one twelve hour day of classes.  The Licentiate
in Theology (L.Th.) entails six eight week periods to meet 144 contact hour requirement for completion. The L.
Th. is the core course of studies each seminarian must complete.

Off-campus
Taking courses off-campus is an option. This may be accomplished by assigning a tutor/mentor who supervises
the studies. A second option is taking the courses by correspondence, or distance learning, and submitting
homework using the internet or postal service. Tutorial and hour requirements are the same as for the on-
campus student. Those not seeking ordination do not have the tutorial contact requirement.

To facilitate students traveling a distance to the Seminary for tutoring and supervision, there is a retreat house
that can be used for overnight stays. While on site, students will gain valuable experience by assisting the
bishop in one or more parishes.

Distance Learning
Distance learning is available when students must use the inter-net to communicate: to receive assignments,
submit homework and take tests.  If the student is seeking ordination he should have the approval of a bishop.
The student may also take courses on his own as an independent studies student. Distance learning is possible
for those who are willing to work and can work without supervision. They must be “self-starters,” who can work
independently, and who will focus on reading the material, note-taking and reporting process. They must find
persons to counsel, or locate an institution or church whose administration will cooperate in fulfilling the clinical
experience requirement.

Clinical Hours
Clinical hours may be accomplished by serving as a volunteer or assistant chaplain in a hospital, prison, long-
term care facility or other such site in the student’s home community, city, town or village. Students will be
assigned readings relative to their clinical experience. Volunteer hours will be attested to by signature of an
“official or supervisor” who coordinates the students work.

Tuition
The student may take a single course or register for a full semester. Semester tuition is $5,000 which pays for
up to eighteen credit hours and tutorial contact supervision. Tuition for a three hour semester credit course ,
without tutorial supervision, is $375.00. Tuition does not include books, materials, travel expenses or
telecommunications. The student purchases these items .

How to get started? For students pursuing ordination they should call the Seminary and speak to Bishop Larry
W. Johnson. For students seeking to take courses and not planning to be ordained they may seek admission as
a regular student.  For others who wish to take a course as an independent student they request the ASV
Course Registration Form, complete it and return it to the seminary. The students will receive a list of course text
books, assignments, and homework reporting instructions. They will also receive a helpful publication “A
Cooperative Guide for Students.”

To order a Catalog: You should call telephone number: 1.540.635.5521 and request the catalog. VISA, Master
Card and Discover credit cards orders may be taken on the phone. All other write: ASV, 582 Simons Way, Front
Royal, VA 2263O and send a certified check or money order in the amount of $25.00 plus $7.00 for shipping.
Total: $32.00 (US dollars)

1. “Reading of Holy Orders”- The ancient term for a way of preparing for ordination. Before there were
seminaries, this was the way it was accomplished. The seminarians found a “wise old priest” whom the bishop
designated his “tutor” and they went to work. It is hard work, but with God’s calling and His blessed assistance, it
can be accomplished.

2. Magisterium Seminary- This is a seminary which is established by the bishop of a diocese, province or
jurisdiction and under his authority. The magisterium seminary has a curriculum and studies program which
uniquely meets the requirements to train clergy or religious workers for the denomination and church.

Dear potential seminarian,

I have prepared this description to assist you in finding your way as you seek to answer God’s Call. I will be very
pleased to speak with you at any time. Tel. 1.540.635.5521.  May you have His Guidance and Blessings.

                                                   In Christ’s service,
                                                   +Larry W. Johnson, Bishop