Ministry Pathways
Is this Path a Good Fit for Me?
Making a decision like this is one that happens in community with others and with God. As you already know, this is the spiritual practice of discernment, which requires a lot of prayer and self-reflection and listening for the movement of God’s Spirit in your life, which is why we have invited you to join us at Discovery Weekend as your next faithful step.
It’s also important to listen to and seek wise counsel from trusted friends and family members. You may also want to begin meeting with a Spiritual Director. It is also vital for you to visit with your Rector, Vicar, or Head of Congregation during your discernment process.
Please take some time to reflect on these Vows and Commitments below to help you as you continue the discernment process. Reflect carefully on these statements. We recommend writing down your thoughts in a journal so you can share your answers with others when you discern with them.
What are my vows as a lay person?
Taken from Baptismal Vows (BCP, 304-305):
- Continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship
- Break bread (Eucharist and table fellowship)
- Pray
- Resist evil and repent when you haven’t
- Tell about God’s Good news in Christ by what you say and do
- Love your neighbor as yourself by seeking and serving Christ in all people
- Strive for justice and peace among all people
- Respect the dignity of every human being
What are my commitments as a lay person?
(adapted from ECMN Discipleship Hallmarks for Leadership)
- Commit to deepen relationship with God and to grow in faith with prayer, reading scripture, and commitment to worship and study
- Regular habit to practices of discipleship, discernment, and deliberation, modeling the rigor and discipline of prayer as a primary vehicle to walking the Way of Jesus
- Participate in existing lay ministries and discern with others about new ways the Holy Spirit might be calling us to meet the needs of the community inside and outside the church
- Discern where God is already at work and intentionally seek to join God’s mission in the world
- Live lives marked by integrity, compassion and Jesus’ call to love one another; treating others with respect regardless of human differences such as race, gender, social status, theological viewpoint and orientation
- Commit to deepening relationships with others in the congregation and to understand our mutual obedience to one another
- Take responsibility for creating a culture of openness to the stranger and a willingness to be a part of the Beloved Community
- Commit to lifelong discernment for discovering what God is inviting us for our ensuing chapters of faithful living
- Live lives of faith in thought, word and deed and intentionally pursue spiritual growth and renewal of body, mind, and spirit
- Trust the Holy Spirit is leading
Does the call to the pathway of
Lay Leadership still resonate with you?
Then keep going…
What gifts, skills, and talents do you bring with you into this ministry?
If you have already explored the Thresholds of Vocation pages, then you may have a solid grasp on some of your talents. You can also explore these TEAC grids developed by the Anglican Communion to assist you in exploring some gifts and skills needed for Lay Ministry.
Formation 