God calls each of us to participate in his work in the world. Sometimes that calling is clear. Other times, it begins with a question, a conversation, or a growing sense that God might be inviting us into something new.
Perhaps someone has encouraged you to consider ministry. Perhaps you've found yourself wondering whether your gifts and experiences could be used differently. Or perhaps you've been carrying a sense of calling for some time but aren't sure what to do with it.
Wherever you find yourself, we'd welcome the opportunity to explore that with you.
Every Christian Has a Calling
Vocation isn't simply about becoming a priest or taking on a particular role in the Church.
Through baptism, every Christian is called to follow Jesus and participate in God's mission of love, reconciliation, and renewal in the world.
We live out that calling in our families, workplaces, neighbourhoods, and communities. For some, it also leads to a particular ministry of leadership and service within the Church.
Discerning a vocation is about listening for God's invitation, recognizing the gifts we've been given, and discovering how we might use them in service to others.
And it's not something we have to figure out alone.
Explore Ministry Pathways
There are different ways to respond to God's call to ministry. Each has its own responsibilities, opportunities, and process of discernment and preparation.
Lay Readers
Assisting in worship. Nurturing faith. Serving congregations.
Lay Readers are licensed lay ministers who help lead worship, teach, preach, and support the pastoral and spiritual life of congregations across the Diocese.
[Explore Lay Reader Ministry →]
Missioners
Sharing faith. Building relationships. Engaging communities.
Missioners help the Church connect with the communities around us, encourage discipleship and evangelism, and explore new opportunities to participate in God's mission.
Deacons
Serving others. Connecting Church and community.
Deacons have a particular calling to service, especially among those who are vulnerable or marginalized. Some are called to the vocational diaconate, while others serve as transitional deacons in preparation for priesthood.
Priests
Nurturing discipleship. Leading communities. Sharing the sacraments.
Priests are called to serve through preaching, teaching, pastoral care, sacramental ministry, and leadership in the life and mission of the Church.
How Do I Know If God Is Calling Me?
That's a question worth exploring.
A call to ministry doesn't always come with certainty or a clear sense of direction.
Sometimes it emerges through prayer and reflection. Sometimes it's recognized by people who see gifts in us that we haven't yet recognized ourselves. And sometimes it begins with a desire to respond to a need in our church or community.
Discernment is a process of listening, asking questions, and seeking the wisdom of others.
In the Diocese of Fredericton, we walk alongside individuals as they explore their sense of calling and consider where God might be leading them.
You don't need to have all the answers before beginning.
Preparing for Ministry
Responding to a call to ministry involves learning, growing, and preparing for its responsibilities.
Depending on the ministry being explored, preparation may include theological education, practical ministry experience, mentoring, and opportunities for spiritual formation.
We recognize that people come to ministry from different backgrounds and at different stages of life. There are several possible routes for theological study and formation, including part-time and distance-learning options.
Our goal is to help individuals find an appropriate pathway that prepares them to serve faithfully and effectively.
[Explore Theological Education & Formation →]
Let's Begin a Conversation
You may have a clear sense of calling, or you may simply be wondering.
Either way, we'd be glad to hear your story.
Exploring a vocation doesn't begin with an application. It begins with a conversation.
If you're considering lay or ordained ministry in the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton, we encourage you to speak with your parish priest or contact Canon Shawn C. Branch, the Director of Mission & Ministry.
Together, we can explore your questions and consider the next steps.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.” — John 15:16
