Joining the Order of the Mustard Seed is a journey, with two seasons to discern how God is leading you.
The journey begins with a Season of Exploration. In this self-directed step, you’ll dive into our history, books, and podcasts to see if this way of life resonates with you. We invite you to spend as much time as you need in this season before taking the next step. We recommend you take at least three months in this Season to engage with the resources, to attend the Welcome Webinar and the Candidate Discernment Session. In this Season, you’ll be referred to as an Explorer.
When you’re ready, you can move on to the structured 10-month Season of Preparation that takes place annually from December to October. Here, as part of a small cohort, you’ll be guided through resources and practices to help you reflect deeply. We encourage people to devote themselves during this Season to ‘trying on’ all the aspects of the OMS Rule of Life and experimenting with the OMS vows and practices as the main components that shape your life. You’ll use the Season of Preparation to work out whether this framework seems to be a good fit for you, matches the deepest desires of your heart, and helps you to become the disciple of Jesus you truly want to be. In this Season, you’ll be referred to as a Candidate.
After the Seasons of Exploration and Exploration, and if the OMS framework is providing you with a trellis (or framework) that brings you life, you take vows at a Vow Ceremony to become a Member of the Order.
At a minimum, the journey to your vows takes about 14 months to give you ample time to learn and discern.