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Vocations

Is God calling me to some sort of Christian ministry?

If you feel called to some sort of ministry in the church it will be with the minister's support. Some areas of ministry are developed primarily at the local level, but for other ministries, the selection and the training are done through the diocese. 

Others feel called to explore a different call, maybe to support local projects, to help at a night shelter, a Sure Start project, or a youth project run in the community. After all the call to be salt and light in the community means we should be out beyond the church walls, and where people meet the need is greatest.

If you believe that God may be calling you to ordained or Reader ministry, please contact the Director of Vocations Nick Smeeton. Nick works with a team of colleagues, who together will help you explore your sense of call.

Finding a mentor

The Church of England can put you in touch with a mentor who you may find helpful if for are at any stage on the journey towards ordained vocations. A mentor is a knowledgeable friend to accompany you along the way. All the Mentors are volunteers who are passionate about supporting future clergy. Your Mentor will not be making decisions on your process or be your advocate. 

For more details and to apply for a mentor, visit the CofE website.

Foundations for Ministry

Foundations for Ministry is a lay training course for anyone who wants to find and grow in the ministry to which God is calling them. FFM is a part-time lay training course run by our diocese which is suitable for anyone who wants to serve God in the church and in the world. People may go on Foundations for Ministry to explore many different kinds of Christian ministry:

  • serving God where they are at work, in the family, in the community
  • specific roles within the church
  • ordained ministry
  • licensed lay ministry (Readers, Church Army)

For more information, please contact: Jamie Mackenzie.

Upcoming vocation support group meetings

Thursday

11th January 2024

Holy Trinity Horwich

1 Cooke Street, Horwich BL6 6AF

Ven Dr John Applegate

 

Monday

4th March 2024

St Andrew’s Parish Room,

Churchdale Road, Higher Blackley Manchester M9 8NE

Bishop Matthew Porter, Bishop of Bolton

“Seeing where God is working in the world and responding with missionary imagination”

Wednesday

15th May 2024

St Michael’s Bamford,

Bury & Rochdale Old Road, Heywood OL10 4BB

Rev Canon Dr Michael Leyden

Dean of Emmanuel Theological College

Tuesday

9th July 2024

St George’s Chadderton

504 Broadway, Chadderton OL9 9NJ

TBC
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