Pathways of Vocation
What is Discernment?
Discovering these callings is the process of discernment, and discernment is a deeply formative process where we listen carefully to the call of God in our lives through prayer, seeking the wisdom of trusted friends and family, and exploring our call through the counsel and advice of our community.
Discernment is a process for the purpose of making a careful decision for our life and for the life of our community. So, listen carefully, and be open to the spiritual imagination.
As we see, then, there are many ministries inside and outside of the church, and there are many ways to serve our congregations and our communities.
To assist you on your discernment journey, this page offers some options for those seeking deeper formational opportunities through specific lay ministries within the church. Please continue to listen carefully to the calling of God in your life as you consider these different ministry roles.
One way to support some of our specific ministry roles within the church is through enhancing and improving our licensing and certification of lay leadership. So, as you continue to discern your ministry options, we hope that this page will help you explore Licensed Ministries and Lay Micro-Certifications in the Diocese of Texas.
Licensed Ministry
Perhaps you feel called to become a Licensed Minister…to preach, to lead worship, to lead formational discipleship, or to live out the call of evangelism as a way of life. If you feel called to these ministries, you might consider exploring the Iona School for Ministry website because each of these licenses requires a 10-month certificate from the Iona School.
Licensed Eucharistic Ministry
Or perhaps you feel called to Licensed Eucharistic Ministry as a Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM) or a Lay Eucharistic Visitor (LEV). We have some online courses to assist you with your deeper formation and learning.
Lay Micro-Certification
Or perhaps you feel called to lead the Daily Office on a regular basis in your congregation or to deliver approved sermons during worship. We have several online micro-certifications to choose from that offer formation and support for you on your journey to help you discern this calling to ministry.
Whatever you decide – whether to become a Licensed Minister or to receive a Lay Micro-Certification in a specified ministry – you have many options as a lay minister who is seeking ways to serve the church in your local congregation.
