Discover your part in God’s story
Discernment is about listening, praying, and reflecting on how God may be calling you. It’s about discovering the part God may be inviting you to play in his story. It often unfolds over time – through prayer, reading the Bible, conversation, and experience. You don’t have to rush, and you can keep asking.
Part of discernment is noticing the gifts, interests, and experiences God has already given you, and thinking about how they could be used to serve others. You don’t need to have loads of experience or a perfect track record – even small things you’ve done, enjoyed, or learned can be important. For example, if you’re exploring church planting, it might help to think about times you’ve brought people together, taken initiative, worked as part of a team, or helped start something new, even in everyday situations like work, study, volunteering, or community life.
Guidance
You might begin by:
- praying regularly, using Bible passages and prayer resources to listen to God
- reflecting on Scripture and how it speaks into your life and calling
- speaking with your vicar, mentor, spiritual director, or other trusted Christians who can help you discern your calling
- paying attention to what others affirm in you, and where you feel most fully yourself
- reflecting on your gifts, experiences, strengths, and desire to serve, perhaps through a gifts inventory or other reflective exercise
Have a go
Discernment is not just about thinking - it’s also about doing. Often, the clearest insights come as you step forward and try things out.
Dip your toe in. Experiment. Ask your vicar about opportunities to serve, or to accompany others in ministry. If you’re aged 18–29, you could also explore the Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) - or other intern programmes at your church - as an exciting opportunity to spend time serving in a church community, growing in faith, and discovering more about God’s call on your life.
Try a range of experiences - even things you haven’t done before. As you do, consider what gives you energy, where you feel most ‘yourself’, and how God may be at work.
You may discover that gifts developed in everyday life - through work, family life, study, creativity, leadership, business, hospitality, or caring for others - also have an important place in God’s mission.
Keep learning
Prayer and Scripture are at the heart of discernment. The Bible is full of unlikely people called by God, and spending time with these stories can help you recognise your own calling more clearly.
You could explore prayer guides, Bible study resources, events, or courses in discipleship or theology. These can help you grow in confidence, deepen your faith, and better understand your gifts and passions. Speak to your vicar or diocese about what’s available - whether events, short courses, evening classes, or online learning.
There are also many helpful books, events, and resources that can support you as you reflect on God’s calling on your life and continue to discern where he may be leading you. Visit our Events and Resources page to discover opportunities to learn, connect, and explore your calling further.
Discernment questions
- Where do I sense God at work in my life?
- What part might God be calling me to play in his story?
- What gifts, experiences or passions could I use to serve others?
- How are others encouraging or recognising this calling in me?
Mentoring
You don’t have to discern your calling alone. Asking your vicar or a more experienced Christian to meet with you regularly can provide encouragement, perspective, and prayerful support along the way.
We also recognise that discernment can feel daunting, especially without people to talk to who aren’t formally part of a discernment process. Mentoring can offer a trusted space to reflect, pray, and be supported.
Mentoring has also been shown to support greater inclusion and diversity. We have established a directory of ministry mentors for historically underrepresented Anglicans to offer additional, free support through the shared discernment process.
What next?
As you continue to discern your calling, you may be beginning to recognise where God is inviting you to join in his work.
The next step is to explore some of the ways people respond to that invitation.
