 He spent the academic year of 1953–54 studying at Westcott House, Cambridge, and was ordained deacon in 1954.He served as a tutor at Westcott House (1954–55) and he was ordained priest in 1955.In 1955 Edwards began his ordained ministry as an assistant curate at St John's, Hampstead, and also began his work with the Student Christian Movement as its secretary, remaining in both positions until 1958.