God calls each one of us and has given us gifts and skills to serve God and our neighbour.
Is God calling you? The good news is, yes. The words Jesus spoke to the fishermen by the Sea of Galilee, 'Follow me', are still being spoken into the hearts of those who are willing to hear.
On this page we explore:
What we mean by calling
How we all have a calling
Ways to live out that call
Next steps
Useful websites and links
We also have dedicated pages on
Ordained ministry
Lay Ministry
Everyday calling
It's Your Calling days
What we mean by calling
You might have a burning inner conviction that God has a plan for you, or a nagging feeling that just won’t go away. It can also be called, a vocation.
Often the starting point for exploring a Christian ministry is simply to say to God, like the boy Samuel, “Here I am” (1 Samuel 3.2)
God’s calling involves recognising your God given gifts and looking for opportunities to use them. Through God’s grace, you might discover what you are being called into.
We all have a calling
It really could be you God is calling. In fact, God calls men and women of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnic groups, each to play their part in building his kingdom.
Some Christians will be called to ordained ministries, for example, a vicar running a parish.
Some will serve as licensed lay ministers.
And of course, all Christians are called to be witnesses and disciples in their home, school, workplace and local church.
The body of Christ is made up of many parts and every church needs a rich diversity of gifts and callings to serve God faithfully within its community.” The Rev Canon Pamela Ive Diocesan, Director of Ordinands and Vocations
Ways to live out that call
There are so many possibilities of how God might be calling you to express your faith and serve others:
- Pastoral Care
- Hospital chaplaincy
- Work in schools
- Ordination
- Licensed Lay Ministry
- Prayer ministry
- Prison ministry
- Spiritual accompaniment • Youthwork • Healing ministry
- Anna chaplaincy (dementia care)
- Music ministry
- Monastic life
- As a parent or other family member
- In the workplace
We could go on....each is valuable in the sight of God, and we have lots of ways to help you discover God's plan for you.
Why not take a look at some of our dedicated pages on the following:
Ordained ministry
Licensed Lay ministry
Everyday calling
Next steps
- Pray... With an open mind and an open heart, ask God how you might become all that he intends you to be and how best you can serve him.
- Reflect… On your unique gifts. What makes you special? What gifts has God given you for growing his kingdom? Are you a good listener, someone with caring skills, keen to share your faith, creative, a natural leader?
- Talk…to your vicar, your family and friends. Those who know you well may be able to see how God might be calling you. They might have spotted it a long time ago and have been waiting for you to recognise it yourself.
- Come…to an It’s Your Calling day. These are run by our team of vocations advisers in different venues throughout the year. You’ll have a chance to meet people on a similar quest and have time and space to reflect on what exciting plans God has in store for you.
Here are some of the opportunities we have available to help you explore your calling:
'It’s Your Calling' days are reflective days, aimed at those exploring where God may be calling them. They are an opportunity to look at our individual journeys of faith and the gifts that God has given us, as well as the Biblical understanding of vocation.
The day gives an opportunity to meet others on a similar quest and to take time to think about where God could be calling you. After an It’s Your Calling day, there is an opportunity to make contact with one of our Vocations Adviser, for an informal chat.
'It's Your Calling' days are usually held three times each year, and generally take place during the day on a Saturday.
- Click for details of dates and to book a place
- You will need the support of your current incumbent to attend this event so please download and complete the booking form and return it to the address, at least one week before the event.
Our downloadable leaflets aim to help you explore the different paths available to help you live out your vocation.
Vocations Advisers are not there to promote one type of ministry, but to listen to your story and to help discern what God might be saying; they are there for you. If at any time you would like to speak with a Vocations Adviser, you should first speak with your incumbent and then contact the Vocations Adviser in your Archdeaconry.
Bromley and Bexley Archdeaconry
The Rev James Harratt
Email: vicar@bromleyparishchurch.org
Rochester Archdeaconry
The Rev Joss Walker
Email: joss@rnwkgroup.org.uk
Tonbridge Archdeaconry
The Rev Wil North
Email: revwilnorth@hotmail.co.uk
Each Archdeaconry has a team of men and women, lay and ordained, who are able to help. You can also email the Diocesan team direct on: vocations@rochester.anglican.org.
Gifts and talents need developing so, when you are clear as to what your future calling or ministry might be, we’ll be delighted to help you find the appropriate training.
Other useful websites and links
- Church of England national vocations pages
- The Church Army
- The Church Pastoral Aid Society run ministry weekends and taster weeks
- The religious life and orders within the Church of England
Key Contacts
The Rev Canon Pamela IveDiocesan, Director of Ordinands and Vocations |
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