This is a text-only version of an article first published on Wednesday, 7 November 2018. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
NEARLY 30,000 serving ministers, both lay and ordained, are being encouraged to hold at least one conversation a month about vocation with someone different from themselves, in a campaign unveiled today by the Church of England.
The Great Vocations Conversation , launches on Vocations Sunday (April 22) and invites licensed and ordained ministers to sign up to a series of reflections and prayers on talking and praying about a range of vocations - from the priesthood to living out the Christian faith in everyday working life.
The campaign builds on the 14 per cent increase last year in those entering training for ordination - the highest figure for a decade - and the work of the Setting God's People Free programme aimed at encouraging the vocations of Christians who are not called to ordained or licensed ministry. Research has indicated that personal conversation and relationships are among the most effective means for encouraging vocations. Head of Vocation for the Church of England, Catherine Nancekievill said: "Each of us has a unique part to play in building the Kingdom of God.
Vocational living means responding to God with our whole selves.
Others are often much better at seeing our gifts than we are, so personal conversation is among the best ways to uncover someone's vocation. "Dr Nick Shepherd, Programme Director for Setting God's People Free, said: "My hope is that The Great Vocations Conversation will help nurture a new generation of vocations, inspiring Christians to live out their faith confidently within their own communities and workplaces.
The campaign is a reminder to us all that the whole people of God are called to participate in God's mission to the world. "The Revd Nicholas Cheeseman, Area Director of Ordinands for Oxfordshire and Berkshire, said: "We know that conversations that encourage and help us to think about how we're serving God are really important. They can inspire all kinds of unexpected life-journeys and blessings. The more we can chat with each other about vocation and service the more our church will be well resourced to share the abundant life to which Jesus calls us all." ;The Revd Tina Molyneux, Berkshire Area Vocations Advisor said: "We are all called and gifted, committing to having regular conversations about vocation can be incredibly encouraging for everyone involved, sign up to The Great Vocations Conversation today."