Called by God, encouraged by God’s people

In last week’s Bulletin I reflected on how we navigate change in the life of the Church. One of the realities we must face is that the future shape of ministry in our diocese will depend not only on the decisions we make, but on the people God calls.

That is why Bishop Rachel and I recently challenged our licensed clergy to identify and encourage one person who may be called to ordained ministry. We did so because we believe that God continues to call women and men to serve his Church, and because we want to be intentional in helping people recognise that call.

But this is not a challenge our clergy can meet in isolation. It belongs to the whole Church. Every congregation and community has a part to play in noticing gifts, encouraging people to explore where God may be leading them, and creating communities where vocation can be spoken about openly and positively. God so often calls in unexpected places and through unexpected people.

Too often we assume that if God is calling someone, they will simply know it for themselves. Yet many people begin to recognise God’s call because another Christian first sees something in them and has the courage to say so. A simple word of encouragement, an invitation to explore a possible vocation, or a conversation about gifts and calling can be life changing.

At its heart, vocation is not about filling vacancies or solving organisational challenges. It is about joining in with what God is already doing. Whether that call is to ordained ministry, licensed lay ministry, chaplaincy, pioneering work, or countless forms of Christian service, God continues to raise up people for the work of his kingdom.

As Bishop Rachel and I reflected on the future, it became clear that this challenge cannot belong only to clergy. It belongs to all of us. We need to nurture a culture of invitation and response, where people are encouraged to listen for God’s voice and where the possibility of vocation is recognised as a normal part of discipleship. A healthy church will always be a community that notices gifts, encourages potential, and helps people discern where God may be leading them.

The prophet Isaiah gives us one of the clearest pictures of vocation in Scripture. “Whom shall I send?” asks God. “Here am I; send me” comes the response. A healthy Church is one in which people continue to hear that question and are supported in offering that response.

The challenge Bishop Rachel and I have given to our licensed clergy is a simple one: Perhaps that same challenge is one that every reader might take up. Is there someone whose gifts you have noticed? Someone whose faith, wisdom, compassion or leadership leads you to wonder whether God may be calling them to a new form of service?

Yet there is another question too. As you read this, might you be the person God is calling? Many who now serve in ordained or lay ministry began with uncertainty, convinced that God could not possibly be calling them. Vocation rarely begins with complete confidence. More often it begins with a willingness to listen, to pray, and to explore where God may be leading. If you have ever wondered whether God might be asking something more of you, perhaps now is the time to begin that conversation with your parish priest.

One of the greatest gifts we can offer another Christian is the confidence to believe that God may be able to use them in ways they have never imagined. Sometimes that gift is one we receive ourselves.

The future of the Church will not be secured simply by plans, strategies or structures. It will be shaped by women and men who hear God’s call and respond with faith and generosity. That has always been God’s way, and it remains God’s way today.