Every Christian is called to serve God. How best to do that is not always obvious and will normally involve a period of wrestling with God as well as talking to others. Some are drawn to using their communication skills to become a Reader; others take a lead in caring and become Pastoral Workers. Most never feel called to train for any form of licensed ministry but still use their many and various gifts for God in his church and world. A few people serving in any of these ways begin to wonder if God might be calling them to take on some responsibility for the church’s life and growth. Such a thought is usually shocking and accompanied by feelings of inadequacy. Around this time it might well be that someone significant asks them if they’ve ever thought of ordination. Or perhaps, after several months of wrestling they go to their incumbent to talk it over. Whatever the detail, the nagging question has emerged – Should I be ordained?
What sort of people get ordained?
It has been said that the only three things the ordained should be concerned with are the glory of God, the pain of the world and the renewal of the church. This is a somewhat daunting job description and increases the feelings of inadequacy. But what will it take to be this kind of person? Such people are mature Christians who have discovered a measure of healing for themselves. How else can we be concerned for the glory of God and not just self-concerned? How else can we be open to the pain of others and not weighed down by it? Such people’s faith in God and love for others will be visible in how they live their lives. They will be recognised in church or at work as people of integrity who can be trusted. Those who are concerned for the renewal of the church are easily recognised. They will be involved in church; usually, but not always, in some leadership capacity. They will be people who have a passion and vision for what the church should be and have the teaching gifts and people skills to help it happen.
How will I know if this is God’s calling for me?
God can only guide a moving object! In other words you have to begin by talking to others to ask for their opinion. One of the most important will be your vicar or equivalent. Hopefully, they will have seen you at work and already have thoughts about your ministry.
The next stage would be to think about talking to a Vocations Explorer and also potentially doing tthe Foundations for Ministry course (See below for links to more information on those). If the vocations explorer process indicates that exploring ordained ministry could be appropriate, this could lead to an interview with the Bishop's Adviser for Diocesan Discernment of Ordained Ministry and then working with a member of the ADDO team. That could potentially lead to your attending two national discernment panels, which might recommend to our bishops that you begin training for ordained ministry. Click here for more information on that national panel process.
What does training involve?
Those training for stipendiary ordained ministry normally spend two or three years training with one of the theological colleges or courses around the country. Most Chester ordinands currently train either part-time or full-time with Emmanuel Theological College. The cost of all course fees for ordination training is met by the national church. Candidates training for incumbent ministry may train full-time if they are below the age of 48 when they start training - full-time training comes with a maintenance grant alongside the paying of course fees. Those over the age of 48 and those training for self-supporting assistant ministry train part-time, usually with Emmanuel Theological College. Click here for more information from the national church on ordination training pathways.
Ordained to do what?
Everyone ordained spends a year as a deacon before they are priested. Everyone ordained is licensed to a so-called Title Parish where they serve on most Sundays. Most clergy have the parish as their main focus for ministry; however there are those who feel that their main focus of ministry should be outside of the parish. This could be in a hospital, school or prison chaplaincy or in the normal place of work where they continue after ordination. Wherever they work, priests have a common passion to glorify God, engage with the pain of the world and help the church to grow. One important option to be aware of is serving in Self-Supporting Ordained Ministry, ministering part-time alongside working in another role.
| ‘The first call is to be a human being, the second to be a Christian and then third to be a priest. My own experience was that the key to the first was the second and the best way to be the second was the third. But the third step is an exception.’ Bishop John Pritchard in The Life and Work of a Priest (SPCK) |
How can I find out more?
- Try some of the links below.
- Talk to your incumbent.
- Talk to a Vocations Explorer.
- Go to one of our Called to Serve events
- Consider doing the Foundations for Ministry course
If you still have questions, then do not hesitate to email us on ministry@chester.anglican.org
Bishop's Adviser for the Diocesan Discernment of Ordained MInistry
Revd Canon Richard Walker richard.walker@chester.anglican.org
tel: 01928 761494 / 07933 523200
Executive Administrator, Ministry Team:
Jane Gerrard Email: jane.gerrard@chester.anglican.org
tel: 01928 643426
Church House, 5500 Daresbury Park, Daresbury WA4 4GE
External Links