Jesus called his first disciples with the words, ‘Follow me’ – and he offers the same invitation today. He calls each of us to use our gifts and talents in Christlike ways in the world around us.
The Church of England website
You may be feeling excited, anxious, uncertain or inadequate but the Holy Spirit will lead, prepare and equip you as you move forward in faith and obedience. Above all be open to God’s surprises!
But there is a further calling, a particular calling, sometimes called a ‘vocation’ which is not for everyone but may be for you. This particular calling is to serve God and all people through one of the Church’s authorised lay or ordained ministries. For this particular calling you have to allow your sense of vocation to be tested by the Church through its discernment processes.
If you are wondering where God is calling you, the most important thing to do is to pray. You may like to use some of the prayers in this Prayer booklet.
What could you be called to?
As you try to discern what it is that God may be calling you to do it’s important to consider all the possible options. Read about Readers and licensed lay ministry, the calling of the Religious Life, as well as Ordained ministry and other forms of ministry on the Church of England Vocations web pages.
Vocations Resources: All are called
Are you wondering whether you have a calling? Are you wanting to promote vocations of all kinds in your church, school or chaplaincy? The Vocations Team has put together some information to help you think about a wide spectrum of vocation. The material is suitable for use on your own, or in a small group. We believe you will find it thought-provoking.
Vocations discernment process – information for clergy
If you have a candidate for licensed ministry here are some simple guides to how the discernment process works in this diocese:
- follow this flowchart to see which path your parishioner should take
- a practical guide for clergy about the discernment process (being updated – to be published soon).
The Vocations Team
The Vocations Team are:
Tim Bull
Barbara Naisbett-Groet
Ruth Dennigan
Simon Moore
Vocations Team: Seeking direction?
The Vocations Team has the task of encouraging and nourishing vocation across the diocese. If you would like to explore your vocation please speak to your incumbent who will contact one of the Advisers from your archdeaconry. There are three or four Vocations Advisers in each Archdeaconry, and it is their role to advise both clergy and those wishing to explore their vocation to any form of ministry in the Church. The team comprises both lay and ordained people.
You can also contact the Vocations Team whose individual details are above