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Introduction to Vocations

God has given a rich variety of gifts to His people to enable them to exercise a great variety of ministries. This was one of the great discoveres of the the early Christians and was an oft repeated theme of St Paul. A calling from God, or vocation to ministry is no the privilege of a select few. It is the experience of every Christian.

For most people, this will be focussed in their home, work place or local congregation. Some are called by God to more public ministry – ordained ministry as priest or deacon or an accredited lay ministry such as Reader, Pastoral Assistant or Lay Evangelist.

It is the challenge to every Christian to discover the ministry to which God may be calling them and God’s call comes afresh at different stages of our lives. It is hoped that in every congregation, members are being challenged and encouraged to explore their vocation from God.

There are also various resources to help us with this. In each Deanery, the Bishops have appointed a Vocations Adviser, who is available to talk with anyone who wants help in exploring their vocation. They are not just concerned with people thinking about lay or ordained ministry but ministry in its widest sense. They are not part of any formal selection process but are simply available to offer advice.

In each Episcopal Area, there is an annual Area Vocations Day, to which anyone is welcome. Also, there are a number of National Vocations Conferences run by a variety of organisations for people who want help in exploring vocation.

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