Vocations
What is a vocation?
In the Church of England, a vocation is a life-shaping commitment or "calling" from God, encompassing both who a person is called to be and what they are called to do. It applies to all Christians, encompassing everyday life (work, family) and specific roles in church ministry. It is seen as a response to God's love. Specific roles in the diocese include chaplains, deacons, readers, churchwardens, youthworkers.
Here are some of our chaplains discussing their roles:
Help in finding your vocation
If you are interested in exploring what your vocation might be, talk to your chaplain and discuss it with friends, relatives and colleagues. Below is more information about some of the options and ways in which we offer support:
Ministry Experience Scheme
Opportunities for Female clergy
Becoming a Reader
Youth and Children’s Ministry
Young people are not the church of tomorrow, they are the church of today. Youth and children’s ministers might work in a parish or with a Christian organisation. There is a strong emphasis on Christian formation in peer groups, including preparing young people for confirmation.
A great many Christians consider their youth minister to have been integral to their faith journey.
Do you believe God is calling you to serve as a youth or children’s minister?
Your starting point is to meet with your chaplain to talk with them about your sense of calling. You should also arrange to meet with our Head of Children and Youth Strategy, Rev Iain Bendrey.
Churchwardens & Parish Officers
Churchwardens, PCC Secretaries, Treasurers, Parish Safeguarding Officers and other Parochial Church Council (PCC) members are all vital to the running of a church or parish. In Europe these bodies are referred to as Chaplaincy Church Councils or CCCs.
Churchwardens are chosen by the parish to be leaders in the life and mission of their church community, working with the vicar and representing the congregation. They have a responsibility to promote unity and peace within the parish, for running the church and caring for the building. CCCs have a key role in promoting mission and are charity trustees of their parish’s resources.
If you believe God may be calling you to become a churchwarden or other CCC member, have a chat with someone already in the role and your chaplain.