Vocations

Young people painting on paper stuck to wall Keith Blundy

Church of England Vocations

What is God's plan for you?

Vocation means what you are called by God to be and do.

For some, this is a specific calling to ministry. For others, it could mean serving God through faithful discipleship in everyday life.

Everyone has a vocation. Find yours.

Our mission is to be a Christian presence in every community. 

God calls people to a wide range of ministries, lay and ordained, in our church and in our everyday lives. Youth and children’s ministers, evangelists, missionaries, Readers, pioneers, and community workers are generally lay ministers, though some may be ordained.

Some roles are the same across the whole church, like Readers, deacons and priests. There also some lay roles which vary by diocese, so have a look at your diocesan website to find out what’s local to you.

Scroll down to explore further or contact your vicar or diocese to begin the process of discerning what God might be calling you to. If you are disabled or have concerns about a cognitive or physical condition that may affect your discernment or training please contact your Diocesan Disability Advisor. And if you are from UKME/Global majority heritage you may want to contact your Diocesan Minority Ethnic Champion.

Exploring a call to ministry or religious life?

Register your interest and get in touch with your diocese.

Mythbusting ministry

Seven common misconceptions about life in ministry

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.”

John 15:16

We are grateful to Allchurches Trust for supporting our vocations research.

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