Vocations

Vocations

ordinands

'Vocation' is simply another word for the life-shaping commitment God is calling you to. 

This calling emerges through a prayerful relationship with God and in conversation with other Christians. An understanding of vocation is informed by experience and develops alongside others who encourage us and share in our discernment.

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.

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.  There are also some specific ways in which the diocese can support you in your journey of discovery:

readers group in strasbourge

Being a Reader

The role of trained lay leaders in the church, licensed by the bishop in supporting clergy.
Read more
 

Readers and Lay Ministers

Readers (also called Licensed Lay Ministers) have a leadership role serving alongside clergy to support people in faith and enable mission. They are lay people who are trained and licensed by their bishop. Reader / LLM ministry looks different in different places depending on the local context.

Many Readers / LLMs teach, preach, lead worship and are involved in mission. Some also take funerals after additional training. Many Readers carry out their church ministry at the same time as having another job. 

How do I become a Reader or Lay Minister?

Before becoming a Reader / Licensed Lay Minister you will take part in a process of discernment. If recommended by your chaplain, you will then go through a training process. 

Your starting point is to meet with your own vicar, chaplain, or equivalent, to talk with them about your sense of calling. You should also arrange to meet with our Ministry Team.

It is important you continually pray about your vocation throughout the discernment process.

You may also want to visiting Transforming Ministry, the website of the Central Readers' Council to find out more.

 

Youth and children’s ministry

What do youth and children’s ministers do?

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.

How do I become a youth or children’s minister?

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 the Ministry team to discuss training opportunities.

It is important you continually pray about your vocation throughout the discernment process.

 

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.