Ordination

[Italiangreyhound]

Christians...

Are you in ministry and/or mission as a job/vacation (can I ask, please)?

Are you ordained, can I ask? If so, how did you know it was right for you?

Did you consider ministry/mission/ordination and then decide not to follow that path and can you share why not?

Thanks so much.

When I was trying to work out whether I was called to ministry I was recommended "Listening to the Music of the Spirit" by David Lonsdale. I found it really helpful in processing all the contradictory and competing thoughts that are around in this area.

Thanks Greenheart.

I've nc for this...

I am considering ordination. I work for the church already. I think you need to have a sense of 'call' that God is speaking to you in some way. For me it's been as I am reading my Bible and other books over a period of months. It's a bit out of the blue. I think you need to test it. Ask someone what they think. Do other people think this might be right for you. Do you think you have the kind of gifts which might mean you can offer something in ministry?

I think there are many many ways to serve. I'm not sure 'official' ministry is necessarily the right path for everyone, you might be able to serve the church equally well in other ways. You need to question your motives. Do you want recognition or simply more opportunities to serve?

The CoE takes around 18 months for this process of checking and rechecking whether it's for you. I think that's a good time frame. No rush! If it's what God is calling you to it won't go away and as you wait you can take more opportunities to serve in different ways and test things out.

Hope that helps!

What ministry do you think you might be called to?
For what it's worth I have noticed your posts because I tend to agree with you and I think you come across as very compassionate but also clear in your faith. (Hope that doesn't sound stalkery!) PM me if you like. I don't want to out myself with more detail :)

maybeordinand what a lovely and kind thing to say, I will pm you. Your comments are very helpful.

Italian have pm'd you

Thank you ninnypinny.