Vocations
The route for discernment and selection
Responding to God’s Call
Hearing the word of God, and responding to it, is a life-long challenge for all baptised Christians. The vocations to which we are called are many and varied, and all are necessary and valued as we work together in the Kingdom of God.
For some people, their vocation may be to a particular licensed or ordained ministry within the Church of England. If you are exploring this kind of vocation for the first time, or if you feel that your vocation is changing from one to the other, then you should initially discuss this with your parish clergy. You may also want to talk with someone who is already exercising the ministry you are wanting to explore to find out more about what is involved. To help inform your thinking, talking and prayer, you may like to look at the excellent Church of England website, (http://www.cofe-ministry.org.uk/ and follow the links through ‘Ministry in the Church of England’) which outlines different types of ministry and the callings, qualities and gifts that are looked for in the various ministries.
If you and your parish priest would like to take the discussion further forward, your parish priest will make contact on your behalf with the appropriate Vocations Advisors Co-ordinator.
Whatever your starting point, you will, in the first instance, need to be in touch with one of the Vocations Advisors.
If it seems that your ministry may be through one of the national organisations such as The Church Army, a Religious Community or a Mission Society, you will be guided towards the relevant person or organisation.
Reader Ministry
If, after seeing a Vocations Advisor, it seems that your ministry may be as a Reader, you will be put in touch with the Warden of Readers.
Click here to access the Readers’ web page and discover more about Reader ministry:
http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/dandrews/Diocesan%20Readers/index.htm
More information about Reader Ministry can also be found at http://www.readers.cofe.anglican.org/info.php.
Ordination
If, after seeing a Vocations Advisor, it seems that ordained ministry is a possible way forward for you, there will be a process of referral to the Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO) and his team.
More information about Reader Ministry can also be found at http://www.readers.cofe.anglican.org/info.php.
If you are contemplating ordination to the permanent Diaconate, try www.dace.org for further information.
And Finally …
You have a vocation from God.
If you already know what it is, pray to be faithful.
If you are still searching, pray to hear God’s voice and to respond generously.
For a suggested reading list, please click here.