Exploring your vocation

We are all invited by God to be the best version of who we can be, to serve Him and the wider church, but how can we step into what he is inviting us into?

The process of exploring your vocation takes time, to listen to God and be prepared and ready to follow him. Sometimes our first thoughts aren’t his final thoughts. But he loves it when we say to him “Lord here is my life, what do you want with it?”

Considering what your vocation may be takes time and there may not always be a clear path.  Take one step at a time. 

1. When you pray, read your Bible, worship in Church ... talk to God about what is in your heart and mind. Ask him to impress particular scriptures upon you, and listen to the inner stirrings of your heart. If you keep a diary or a journal, keep a note of things that strike you.

2. Mention what you are thinking about to 2 or 3 people you know well and whom you could trust to give you really honest feedback without spoiling your friendship! How do they see you, your character, your gifts.

3. Talk to your vicar, and follow their advice about things you could do, read, experience, to keep exploring. They may suggest attending the Explore Day in November, a diocesan event which is designed to specifically help people reflect upon their calling.

When you and your vicar are ready, contact the Revd Haydon Spenceley. Haydon is the Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Director of Vocations and Formation, and it is his role to guide you through the next steps of the process. 

Haydon may also put you in touch with David Morton, David is the Diocesan Lay Ministries Officer and his role us to guide people through the opportunities presented in lay ministry. 

Surely I'm not the kind of person you want?

We welcome enquiries to explore ministry in the Church from anyone – at any age and from any background. Yet we know that sometimes our own presumptions overlook the qualities which some people offer. At other times, some people ‘self-select’ out because they can’t see ‘someone like me’ serving within the Church. We need to have our eyes open to all that the Lord is doing, and not exclude those whom God is calling. If the Church is to reconnect with the whole of society, we need ministers and priests to emerge from all backgrounds and generations.