Vocations | The Church of England

Jesus called his first disciples with the words, 'Follow me' - and he offers the same invitation today. He calls each of us to use our gifts and talents in Christlike ways in the world around us.

In responding to God's call and finding our place among God's people, we accept commitments that shape our identity and the roles we fulfil. Vocation, is simply another word for the life-shaping commitment God is calling you to.

This calling emerges through a prayerful relationship with God and in conversation with other Christians. An understanding of vocation is informed by experience and develops alongside others who encourage us and share in our discernment.

We have come to understand Christian vocation in three areas:

Social vocations - our place within the workplace and the community and how we contribute to the common good;

Relational vocations - our calling in relationship to God and other people such as family, friends and neighbours;

Ministerial vocations - our calling to serve and build up the church community and equip it for mission.

If you have a sense that you may be called to ministry, take the next step - talk to trusted friends and your church leader and look up your diocesan vocations team.

Aged 18-30? Consider attending the next Step Forward event which is taking place in Exeter to find out more about ministry.

Finding your vocation

Your calling

Praying and searching

Young woman singing into microphone at service

No ordinary ministry

Discover the variety of Church roles

The Ministry Experience Scheme

Exploring calling for 18-30s

Find a mentor

Supporting inclusive discernment

Vocations to pioneer ministry

Building new forms of Church

Two elderly nuns sitting in church pews together

Vocations to the religious life

Monastic communities in the Church of England

Female foodbank volunteer hands over food parcel to lady in need

Exploring lay ministry

Discover the variety of ministries serving alongside clergy

female vicar baptising baby in font, parents standing beside it smiling

Preparing for ordained ministry

Practical guidance on selection and training

Mythbusting ministry

Seven common misconceptions about life in ministry

Myth: Ministry means being a vicar

Vicars are a big part of the life of the Church, but they are by no means the only types of minister. The Body of Christ has many parts. Find out more about the wonderful variety of ministries at work in the Church of England.

Myth: Ministry is for men

We are fully and unequivocally committed to all orders of ministry being equally open to all, without reference to gender. Across the country, women are serving God as priests, deacons, bishops, and lay ministers.

Myth: Ministry and parenthood don’t mix

Ministry is not an easy calling, but life can be more flexible than other forms of employment, and many families flourish with one or both parents in ministry.

Myth: I need to already have a degree to become a minister

You do not need a degree or to have studied theology already, but if you have done you may be able to complete your training more quickly. Candidates for ordained ministry usually achieve a bachelor’s degree, diploma of higher education, or a higher award in theology or ministry. There are no formal academic selection requirements, and candidates without experience of academic study will be supported before and during training. You need to be curious, open and willing to learn, with an ability to reflect and ask questions. Find out more about our selection criteria.

Myth: I can’t afford to study

We provide a broad package of financial support to support ordinands through training. Tuition fees are covered by the Church of England, with family maintenance and travel allowances available as well. Training for lay ministry is organised by dioceses, so each will have its own arrangements for financial support.

Myth: To be ordained I’ll have to give up my job

Some people will be called to leave employment and/or move to a new home for training and ministry. Others will study part time alongside paid employment or caring responsibilities, and some will take up ministry in their free time. Whichever pathway is right, high quality training and preparation for ministry is assured. Learn more about the different pathways.

Myth: Ministers aren’t like me

There is no such thing as a typical minister. God’s call can come in any number of ways. Discover some of the many ways people have come to serve in the Church of England.

“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