I think God is calling me to be a minister

‘I think God is calling me to be a minister’ - those were the words I finally managed to mumble many years ago when my minister wanted to know why I was asking to see him. They are words that all those who serve as presbyters and deacons in the Methodist Church today have at some point said with varying degrees of nervousness or conviction – to their friends, their spouses, their spiritual guide, their minister – beginning a process of exploration with others in the Church to test their sense of call.

That you are reading this suggests that those are words that you have recently said or thought about saying. This section of the website aims to help you in two ways.

First, we share stories from those who have said those words to the Church and whose call the Church has then tested.

Secondly, we begin to explore what it might mean to discover that God is indeed calling you to ordained ministry – by looking at the characteristic way of being Church that is modern Methodism, the expectations that the Church has of its ministers, and the effect that going forward will have on you and those close to you. There is also an associated set of ‘Called to Ordained Ministry’ postcards (available soon), with pictures and suggestions for reflection, that can be used in your prayers and/or in conversation with someone you trust.

Finally, we explain how to start the formal process of saying to the Church, “I think that God is calling me to be a minister”. May God bless you as you consider taking that step.

Revd Dr Jonathan Hustler, Secretary of the Conference