There’s an old quip that says – ‘if you were accused of being a Christian, would there
be enough evidence to convict you?’
Vocation is about living out the implications of the faith we profess. Crudely put there
are two kinds of vocation – a) serving the world in God’s name by acts of compassion
or justice, and b) resourcing the church to better serve the world in God’s name…. We
need both!
Traditionally vocations have been understood in terms of ordained ministry, and we
desperately need more of such vocations, people who will energise and envision the
community of faith in its witness and mission by word and sacrament. But vocation
mustn’t be limited to this. Vocation is simply the answer to the question, how do you
offer life in the service of God and of others and God’s people (lay and ordained) can do
this is a huge variety of ways, both within the church and within society.
Vocations Sunday offers us an opportunity to stop and reflect on our vocations individually
and corporately. Are we living our faith as we would like to? What changes might we
make? Who might we encourage to consider some form of ministry more seriously?
Pray that God will foster a variety
of vocations in our churches and
communities and give us the courage
to recognise and encourage the
vocations of others.
Kidderminster Deanery – Rural Dean:
Hugh Burton; Lay Chair: Bernard Watkins
Diocese of Blackburn:
Bishop Julian Henderson with Bishop
Philip North (Burnley)
Diocese of Brechin (Scotland):
Bishop Nigel Peyton
The Lutheran Church in Great Britain:
Bishop Martin Lind
The Anglican Communion in Japan:
Archbishop Nathaniel Uematsu
