As we approach the flagship diocesan event, Called to Serve, Bishop Mark, reflects on his own calling to be a bishop and reminds us that even if we doubt our own abilities from time to time, as we all do, it is by following God's call, and with his help, that we can grow to be the person God wants us to be.
Bishop Mark says: "Vocation is about God speaking deep into our lives and saying: 'Will you come and follow me and will you come and do this for me?' And that's so important because when God calls us to do something he also helps us do it. So if you're anything like me, you kind of start out thinking, 'argh, I can't do that!' But it's amazing, when God takes you step-by-step, the things he leads you into doing."
Read more stories about vocation and calling:
Leaving your "dream job" for the priesthood
The Revd Simon Stride has always been passionate about three things: Jesus, church, and music. Approaching his 30s, he left his “dream job” working in a recording studio to follow a call to the priesthood. While not an easy decision, he says, “it was the right thing to do”. Simon was ordained last year at Chester Cathedral.
She's in the Army now
The Revd Ailsa Whorton has successfully passed an intensive training course at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst and remains a self-supporting minister with PTO in the Diocese of Chester. Ailsa says: "Only 9.8 per cent of the Army are female, so, if someone like me can do it, maybe more women might be inclined to think that they can too.”
Called to Serve
What is God calling you to be and do in 2021? Let us help you explore your next step on the journey with God. Register for Called to Serve.
