As a diocese we believe everyone is called. We believe calling is both general and specific; both corporate and individual; both to the world and to the Church. Some people experience a specific 'call' or 'vocation' to a particular job, role or ministry which may not necessarily be connected with the church e.g. carer, teacher, administrator. Some people receive a specific call to ministry in the church.
If you would like to explore your calling:
- Talk to your Vicar: They may be able to suggest books for you to read to develop your understanding of ministry and will be able to talk with you about your sense of call.
- Join Pathways: Anyone interested in exploring their vocation, is invited to come onto the Pathways course. Pathways starts in September each year and is made up of three Saturdays and fifteen evenings over the year, ending in June. During the year, candidates will explore some aspects of theology, understanding the Bible and reflect on the practice of ministry and the future of the Church. Pathways also provides time and space to reflect on the gifts and calling of each participant and participants are helped to determine what their next steps will be. More information is available here.
- Speak to a Vocations Adviser: Diocesan Vocations Advisers are available for you to speak to about your sense of call. For more information about Vocations Advisers please contact Cath Hughes. If you would like to speak to a Vocations Adviser, please complete this form and email it to Cath Hughes. Before returning the candidate form, please read the information about Working with Sensitive Matters. Before allocating you a Vocations Adviser we will obtain a reference from your incumbent.
Information about different church ministries is provided below (please follow the links):
The Bishop of Lichfield's guidance on age limits for licensed ministry is available here.
Other non-diocesan vocational routes:
Vocations & Training Courses
We offer a variety of training courses as well as downloadable resources. Please follow the links below or the menu to the right for more information.
Training Courses
- Living Faith (parish or benefice based) - a one year programme for people who would like to deepen their understanding of Christian teaching, and reflect on what it means to have living faith. The Course follows the seasons of the Christian calendar.
- Pathways - 'A Year of Vocational Reflection' Anyone interested in exploring their vocation (including, but not limited to, lay ministry or ordination), is invited to come on the pathways course
- Living Discipleship - for those who wish to develop existing and explore new areas of lay ministry with a view to being commissioned in their parish for ministry in the church, community or workplace.
