Is God calling you to work within his church?
In one sense the answer to this question should be ‘yes’ for all Christian people.
But more specifically, some have a vocation (the word means ‘calling’) to the ordained ministry of the Church of England as a deacon or priest. This year in London we have over 140 ordinands (men and women preparing for ordination) of all ages and another 60 or 70 hoping to start their training in the coming academic year. Some are studying full-time at residential colleges, others are continuing in their regular employment while studying on a local course. After ordination, nearly half of our new clergy follow God’s call by expressing their ministry in their everyday work place as Self-Supporting Ministers (SSMs). There are also some men and women who feel called to the Distinctive Diaconate and you can find out more about this at DACE, and yet others who serve as chaplains in schools or colleges, prisons, hospitals and many other institutions. (www.london.anglican.org/Chaplaincies)
There is a fairly long selection procedure to help you in making such an important decision. It is usually at least 18 months between first enquiring and starting your training which will generally last two or three years depending on age and experience. Nationally, Ministry Division looks after the 1400 Church of England ordinands and you will find much helpful information there.
Others may have a vocation to become a religious, to join a religious community and serve God and his church in that way. You will see something of the wide variety of orders here.
Or you may wish to join the 250 or so Readers in the Diocese who are not ordained but spend three years in evening classes before being admitted to this ancient office.
We have a number of training agencies within the Diocese and looking at their web sites will also give you an insight into what is involved in preparing for ministry. Oak Hill (www.oakhill.ac.uk) is a large full time training college. North Thames Ministerial Training College, NTMTC (www.ntmtc.org.uk), is a non-residential course with about 80 students. St Mellitus College (www.london.anglican.org/NewsShow_8457) is an exciting new development that will come into operation during 2007/8.
The Kensington Deanery Licensed Ministry Scheme, KDLMS is a new venture preparing men and women for ministry in the area where they already live. St Paul’s Theological Centre, SPTC, and Westminster Theological Centre, WTC, are particularly involved in training Pioneer Ministers working in new forms of church, although they also run many general courses in Christian discipleship.
Each Area has its own Director of Ordinands who can help you, but before you speak to them, you should simply talk to your parish priest or college chaplain. Of course it all begins with growing into the Christian faith and you will find stories and information about that on the Church of England website. The Revd Nick Mercer is the Director of Ordinands for the Diocese and he can give you details of the next Exploring Vocation event or answer any particular question you might have.
020 7489 4274
