Listening for God’s call. Recognising gifts. Nurturing the next faithful step.
Every Christian has a vocation. Whether you are beginning to wonder what God is asking of you, or supporting others in your parish, there is a place to start.
God calls each of us by name
Vocation is more than becoming a priest or taking on a role in church. God calls us to follow Christ in our families, workplaces, neighbourhoods, communities and congregations. For some, that may also mean licensed or ordained ministry.
Developing vocation is about prayerfully noticing the gifts God has given, encouraging people without pressure, and making space to explore where those gifts might lead. You do not need to know the destination before you begin.
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6
We plant and water with care. We trust God for the growth.
More than one way to respond
There is no hierarchy of calling. Start with what you are noticing and explore the forms of service that fit your gifts and context.
Everyday life
Live out your faith through work, family, friendship, community and practical service.
Lay and licensed ministry
Discover gifts for prayer, pastoral care, leadership, teaching, youth work, mission and more.
Ordained ministry
Find out about discernment towards the diaconate or priesthood, formation and next steps.
Five movements for discernment
These are not boxes to tick or a timetable to follow. Return to them as often as you need.
Pray. Bring the question to God and make space to listen.
Explore. Talk with trusted people and learn about different forms of service.
Try. Take a safe, supported opportunity to serve.
Reflect. Notice what bears fruit and listen to honest feedback.
Discern. Consider the next faithful step with your church community.
Resources to download
Three free PDF guides to help you explore, encourage and accompany vocation. All may be read on screen or printed for local use.
Exploring Your Calling
For everyone | 26 pages
A practical guide to Christian vocation in everyday life, community, church, lay, licensed and ordained ministry. Includes reflection questions and ways to begin.
Nurturing the Call — Parish Toolkit
For clergy, PCCs, lay leaders and parish teams | 31 pages
Prayers, reflection tools and practical ideas for recognising and encouraging vocation. Designed to strengthen vocational culture without creating another programme.
Exploring Ordination — Frequently Asked Questions
For people exploring ordained ministry and those accompanying them | 8 pages
A pastoral introduction to calling, discernment, the Church’s discernment process, theological training and possible next steps.
Nurturing the call in your parish
Growing a culture of vocation need not mean launching a new programme. It begins in the life you already share: worship, conversations, community action, mentoring and prayer.
Pray intentionally. Pray for vocations in their widest Christian sense.
Notice and nurture gifts. Name gifts with humility, specificity and grace.
Create opportunities. Offer safe, supported ways to explore responsibility.
Provide space. Listen, reflect and encourage the next faithful step.
Support the journey. Accompany people pastorally, whatever direction their discernment takes.
Start a conversation
Sometimes a conversation is the beginning of discovering what God has been doing all along.
Begin by speaking with your vicar, chaplain or someone you trust in your Christian community. They can listen, pray with you and help you consider an appropriate next step.
Area vocations support
Area Directors of Ordinands (ADOs) and trained discernment colleagues can be sounding boards: people who listen without pressure, help you explore questions, recognise gifts, suggest practical experiences and think through when—or whether—a formal discernment pathway might be appropriate.
For an initial enquiry about ordained vocation in Kensington Area:
The Revd Canon Folli Olokose, Lead Area Director of Ordinands
folli.olokose@london.anglican.org
If you are exploring ordination, your parish priest is normally the first point of contact. For lay ministry and other forms of vocation, ask your parish leader about the appropriate local or diocesan route.
A prayer for discernment
Prayer is not an appendix to vocation; it is the soil in which discernment grows.
A prayer by the Rt Revd Dr Emma Ineson, Bishop of Kensington:
God who calls,
you created us, know us, love us,
and call each one of us by name.
Help us to hear your voice
amidst the noise and busyness of life,
to trust that your grace is enough,
and to say yes to wherever you may lead.
Give us eyes to recognise your gifts in others,
words that offer courage and encouragement,
and patience to walk alongside those
who are wondering what you might be asking of them.
Make us generous in releasing one another
to become the people you have called us to be,
so that the whole people of God
may see your Kingdom come,
and serve your world with joy.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Final encouragement
Wherever you are on the journey, the next faithful step is enough.