London Callings
WHAT IS LONDON CALLINGS?
London Callings is an online resource provided by the Diocese of London. It’s here to help people like you explore your Christian calling. Below are some stories showcasing ordinary Christians serving God in extraordinary ways across the capital. You’ll also find some helpful links to other resources as well as answers to frequently asked questions.
EVERYONE HAS A CALLING. WHAT’S YOURS?
If every Christian is called to serve God, what does that actually mean for you? Well, remember it’s you who is being called. So as a start, you might want to reflect and pray on the question “How could I use my particular gifts, passions and personality to serve God in London?” You might just be surprised by what God is saying.
Useful Resources
An online resource provided by the Diocese of London in partnership with Premier. It shares stories of people living out their faith at home, at work, as carers, designers, photographers, bankers, builders – in everyday life.
The Church of England’s official website for people exploring a call to the ordained ministries of the church.
Vocations advice from the CPSA including a link to the free online discernment tool called S.H.A.P.E
An online initiative of Catholic Societies of the Church of England
How do I become … a priest? – Read The Guardian’s interview with Fr. Tim Pike about his journey to ordination.
This vibrant learning community in central London offers everything from short courses to degrees to help Christians explore their faith.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
How old do I have to be?
You can serve the church in all kinds of ways without age being a factor at all. However, if you are considering exploring ordained ministry, the minimum age when you are actually ordained is 23, so you might be 20 when you start training. There is no absolute upper age limit and the Diocese of London is open to considering candidates over 50 years of age on a case-by-case basis.
If you are unsure about where to make a start, talk to one of the leaders in your church such as a member of the clergy, a small group leader or a churchwarden.
What about formal qualifications and academic ability?
Training will differ in length and complexity depending on the ministry you feel called to fulfill. For example, if you offer yourself into the ministry of pastoral assistant or lay hospital chaplain, the training would last for a number of months and would not be heavily academic in nature. However, if you wish to seek the Bishop’s license for a ministry such as Licensed Lay Minister you would be required to obtain a formal qualification together with the necessary training. You can read some more about it here.
Training for the ordained ministries takes a variety of forms and will include academic and practical elements as well as the nurture of spiritual discipline. For more information take a look at the Church of England’s vocation website Call Waiting.
I think I’m called to the be ordained. What is involved in the process?
Everything you need to know about the Church of England’s selection and training processes can be found on Call Waiting. If you are in the catholic tradition of the Church of England there is a thorough FAQ page on the Here I Am website.
Are there other options for ministry in the Diocese of London besides being ordained?
Absolutely! There are a great variety of ministries in the Diocese of London including the following to name but a few:
Why not have a conversation with a member of the clergy to find out how your gifts could be used to serve the local church.
Who should I talk to next?
The best person to talk to about your calling is your parish priest or minister. Talking with friends, family and a trusted spiritual companion is also a good place to start.
If you’re not sure who to talk to then email cmd@london.anglican.org and tell us your postcode, then we’ll put you in touch with somebody in your area.
